SBY calls Samad and Timur heroes

(Tribunnews.com/Dany Permana)

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono unveiled what he had told both the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairman Abraham Samad and National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo after a photograph depicting the three in a discussion was widely publicized through mass-media on Thursday.

In the photograph taken during a breaking-the-fast gathering at the National Police headquarters on Wednesday, the President stood between the leaders of the two law enforcement bodies, which are currently involved in heated debates surrounding an alleged high-profile corruption case within the police force.

Amid mounting calls on the President to take decisive action to end the standoff between the police and the KPK, the photograph triggered speculation.

“It is true that I met with KPK chairman and National Police chief and managed to talk to both of them last night. I said to them, ‘both of you are my heroes in the war against corruption,’” Yudhoyono revealed before a Cabinet meeting at the Indonesian Military (TNI) headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta on Thursday.

The President went on to tell them that “The KPK has a really important role while other law enforcers, including the police and prosecutors, are doing their jobs. I hope you can collaborate to help optimize corruption eradication efforts.” (lfr)