Jokowi signaled on Wednesday his refusal to attend a proposed consultation meeting with lawmakers in charge of the inquiry who wish to present their findings on alleged irregularities committed by the KPK. Observers feared the meeting could be used by lawmakers as a political token to support their cause.

“We know that [a special inquiry into an institution such as the KPK] is under the authority of the House,” Jokowi said on Wednesday when asked whether he would meet with the House’s inquiry team.

Jokowi’s remark was perceived by his spokesman Johan Budi as “a sign” that the President would reject the appeal, although the Palace has yet to receive an official request from lawmakers.

“The President has said that it [the inquiry] was under the jurisdiction of the House. It is a sign,” Johan said on Thursday, declining to elaborate.

With the statement, which came as the inquiry team is concluding its months-long investigation, the President may have also indicated that he wanted lawmakers to take full responsibility of their inquiry processes by excluding the executive power.

The proposal to involve Jokowi, whose presidency is backed by the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), one of the most outspoken House factions in pushing the inquiry’s agenda, also saw a fragmented response from House speakers.

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