House team disappointed with KPK handling of Century case

The House of Representative’s supervisory team on the Bank Century bailout says the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) handling of the case is a disappointment as the investigation is moving too slowly.

"I, as a leader of the team, see that the KPK has tried to progress on the case. However, I cannot ignore the fact that many members of the team appear dissatisfied. We want the KPK to work faster because it has the power," lawmaker Priyo Budi Santoso said.

On Wednesday, the team met the attorney general, the KPK chief and the police to discuss progress in the case at the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). The meeting was a follow up of last week’s meeting at the KPK office.

Priyo said that at the meeting the KPK acknowledged that flaws had been found in the bailout of Bank Century, particularly on the short-term liquidity support (FPJP) given by the central bank.

"The KPK will continue its investigation into the FPJP," he said.

Priyo, who is also a House deputy speaker, said several members of the supervisory team proposed giving the KPK a deadline of Sept. 30 to develop the case.

"Several members proposed the idea to encourage the KPK to finish the case ... However, KPK chief Busyro Muqoddas said ‘Not September 30. If we find any proof, we will announce the suspect(s) tomorrow',' Priyo said.

Busyro said the KPK had found no new evidence.

"We haven’t found enough evidence to name suspect(s)," Busyro said.

"No deadline can be set for a law enforcement institution. If by the maximum limit we cannot resolve the case, we will decide to stop the investigation ourselves. However, if we feel there is no reason to do so, we won't stop," Busyro said. (aaa/rcf)