Susno earns support from whistle-blower status

Former chief detective of the National Police Comr. Gen. Susno Duadji has found support after being convicted in several corruption cases that some have called a smear campaign meant to undermine his reputation. The National Government Monitoring agency (NGM) said the verdicts Susno received from the South Jakarta District Court, after he had revealed clues on prominent cases including Gayus H. Tambunan’s tax mafia scandal, were unfair. He was sentenced to three-and-a-half years’ imprisonment and fined Rp 200 million (US$23,000) for taking bribes and misappropriating election security funds. The court demanded he repay Rp 4 billion within one month to compensate for the money he embezzled. Ulung Purnama, the executive director of NGM, said on Friday that NGM’s support for Susno was not personal, but because of his contributions to uncovering tax crimes that have allegedly involved top brass from the National Police. “We aim to enlighten not only the people, but also Indonesian law players about this case,” he said. Ulung said Susno’s conviction would discourage other public officials who might want to reveal corruption cases in their institutions. “Political power has undermined the power of law enforcers in this country,” he said. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Anton Bachrul Alam told reporters that his institution respected and abided by Susno’s legal process. “Susno Duadji is still our colleague; his positions have not changed. That is his status right now,” Anton said on Friday at the National Police Headquarters. The National Police will allow Susno’s appeal. “Susno definitely has a right to appeal,” Anton said. The Witness and Victims Protection Agency (LPSK) spokesperson Maharani Siti Sophia told The Jakarta Post that Susno’s status has not changed and he is still under protection by the LPSK. “A protection period was agreed on by Susno and the LPSK, so even though Susno was convicted, there would be no difference in his status with the LPSK,” she said. She also said that the LPSK’s work came through in the law process, as Susno’s verdict was less than the seven years’ imprisonment sought by prosecutors. The Witness and Victims Protection Law states that the LPSK has to protect its clients, including during legal processes. The LPSK is cooperating with The Judicial Mafia Taskforce to make the point that protection for whistle-blowers is clearer and more thorough. “We are struggling on this, so if there are any people who want to be whistle-blowers for a case, a big case especially, do not feel reluctant,” Maharani said. (rpt