New KPK chief vows to prioritize Century investigation

Newly appointed Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chief Abraham Samad pledged to resolve the Bank Century case within the first year of his tenure.

The Makassar-based lawyer and activist was named the new KPK chief for the next five years by the House of Representatives’ Commission III on legal affairs and laws, human rights and security, after a vote on Friday.

The KPK has been investigating the controversial Bank Indonesia bailout of Bank Century for Rp 6.76 trillion (US$750.4 million). The House has frequently stated that the process and circumstances in which the bailout was conducted were in violation of the law. Corruption allegations regarding the case have been rampant.

Abraham said that he was prepared to declare that there was no corruption if the commission was not able to uncover sufficient evidence.

“Indonesians have high expectation for the completion of big cases. If we find the evidence required in those cases, we will soon update the case status,” Abraham said when asked about his priorities as the new KPK chief.

Abraham also said that he would discuss a 100-day program with the other KPK leaders, Busyro Muqqodas, Bambang Widjojanto, Adnan Pandu Praja and Zulkarnain, tempo.co reported.