“Jokowi is very concerned as the Constitutional Court is the final stronghold of the Constitution, in relation to the law. This is the second [arrest],” Johan said at the Presidential Palace.

Jokowi’s concern, he said, related to continued corrupt practices despite the government’s efforts to eradicate corruption.

(Read also: Beef importer Basuki reportedly confesses to bribing Constitutional Court aide)

Johan said the President supported the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in its efforts to prevent and eradicate graft.

KPK investigators arrested Patrialis, a former law and human rights minister under former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, along with 10 other people, during a sting operation in several places in Jakarta on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the antigraft body declared Patrialis, who is also a former member of the House of Representatives from the National Mandate Party, along with three other people, suspects in the case.

The KPK said Patrialis had allegedly accepted bribes of US$20,000 and S$200,000 from the three other suspects, who were linked to several beef importing companies.

The suspects allegedly hoped the Constitutional Court, which is currently handling a judicial review of the law on husbandry and cattle health, would review the law in favor of their companies, KPK deputy chairperson Basaria Panjaitan said. (jun)

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