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KPK leaders refuse to step down over controversy in Basarnas case
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The sign of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building reflects passing motorists in Jakarta on June 27, 2023. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)
T
he Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) leadership has insisted it remains solid after internal discord arose surrounding their controversial conduct during an investigation into an alleged graft case at the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) that involved two active military members.
The internal dispute emerged between KPK leadership and their investigators over the weekend after deputy chairman Johanis Tanak publicly apologized for naming two soldiers at Basarnas, its head and a subordinate, suspects after a group of military officers visited the KPK headquarters. Johanis had also shifted the blame, saying investigators had "made a mistake and forgot that military police must be involved in a graft investigation involving military personnel”.
KPK deputy chairman Alexander Marwata said on Monday that the dispute had now been resolved after the five leaders, including controversial chairman Firli Bahuri, met with 300 employees to apologize for shifting the blame onto KPK investigators and admitted that it was the leaders who made the mistakes.
Alexander also said the leaders had no plan to resign from their posts before their tenure ended in December next year.
“We assure the KPK employees that the leaders will be more solid and we will not step down before our tenure ends,” Alexander said.
Out of disappointment with the KPK leadership, investigations director Asep Guntur Rahayu, a police brigadier general, filed his resignation letter also on Monday.
