His actions border on treason, if not a crime. At the very least there should be an independent inquiry into how the KPK boss could get away with ignoring specific instructions from three high state institutions. If he defies this too, that will make him the most powerful person in the country, and one who is accountable to no one.

Firli is insistent on firing more than 50 of his staffers who he claims to have failed the civic tests mandated for them to become civil servants. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has specifically told him not to fire these staffers for failing the test. Yet, Firli is moving ahead with the plan, even in spite of a hearing being conducted by the Constitutional Court to look into the legality of the planned employment termination. The court had already ruled in 2019 that the change in status to that of civil servants should not deprive the staffers of their rights.

This week, Firli ignored a summons from Komnas HAM, which is looking into claims by KPK staffers that their rights are being violated.

There is nothing wrong with conducting civic tests for would-be civil servants, but we are learning that the KPK staffers are being asked ridiculous questions that have nothing to do with their job or civic attitude. They include questions such as their attitude toward gay people, Chinese people and “white” people. And there were essays to write that essentially asked them of their political opinions. In short, these are questions that don’t have right or wrong answers but are designed simply to trap you.

Among those who failed the test were top KPK investigators handling high-profile corruption cases, raising wild speculation about the real motive for Firli’s defiance. Suspicions of conspiracy grew when the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which is a member of Jokowi’s coalition government, consistently backed Firli’s moves. It may not be a coincidence that two top PDI-P politicians, Harun Masiku (who is at large) and former social affairs minister Juliari Batubara (charged for allegedly stealing COVID-19 social assistance money) are under KPK probe.

Any inquiry into Firli’s behavior should use the well-documented and well-sourced report by IndonesiaLeaks on how the civic test was included at the last minute at his insistence. An official who took part in the discussion for the mechanism of converting KPK staffers to civil servants recalls there was never any discussion about mandatory civic tests. The report also says Firli has plans to fire at least five top KPK investigators.

This case is only going to get messier with more widespread speculation and conspiracy theories. An independent inquiry can put a stop to this once and for all, and maybe, just maybe, it will restore some credibility and respect for the KPK.

To ensure a full, unimpeded and impartial investigation, Jokowi should also suspend Firli from his job.

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