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View all search resultsIndependence is all that the KPK needs to perform
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Under investigation: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) seals the working room of General Elections Commission (KPU) member Wahyu Setiawan following a search on Jan. 9. Under the new law, KPK investigators need the approval of the KPK Supervisory Council before making arrests, wiretapping and conducting searches, which many say is a setback for corruption eradication. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
I
ndependence is an absolute requirement for all anticorruption agencies. However, none of the nine anticorruption agencies that have operated in Indonesia since 1959 have lasted long or performed well a lack of independence.
The first anticorruption agency in Indonesia, the State Apparatus Supervisory Agency (Bapekan), was dissolved by then-president Sukarno just before it completed an investigation into alleged corruption relating to the construction of sports facilities for the 1962 Asian Games.
The next antigraft body, the Corruption Eradication Team (TPK), which was formed by Sukarno’s successor, Soeharto, appeared convincing at first, but eventually stumbled when it began a probe into alleged corruption within state oil and gas company Pertamina, a major contributor to the state revenue Soeharto needed to realize his development agenda.
The youngest anticorruption body, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), was given greater independence when it was founded in 2003. As a result, the KPK won the public’s trust at home and recognition internationally.
But like a double-edged sword, the KPK became embroiled in a standoff with the police, known as the gecko vs crocodile saga, on four occasions until finally an active police general was elected as KPK chairman last year.
Transparency International Indonesia has recorded that in its 17 year journey, the KPK has faced three modes of attack both from internal and external forces. The KPK has experienced various acts of intimidation and physical terror, selective prosecution of its leaders and the weakening of its authority through budget restrictions and revision of regulations.
In the latest attack on the KPK, fake news about the state of internal affairs was produced, such as allegations of a “Taliban” influence in the body, supposedly evidenced by the appearance of investigators with beards who wore cutoff pants as well as the hostile relationship between the KPK and police officers assigned as KPK investigators. The government-sanctioned KPK leadership selection process that featured candidates with dubious track records was another cause for concern.
