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Former leaders condemn efforts to weaken KPK

A former head of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has called on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to show his support for the graft watchdog by putting an end to moves to weaken its authority

The Jakarta Post
Jakarta
Mon, July 13, 2009

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Former leaders condemn efforts to weaken KPK

A former head of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has called on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to show his support for the graft watchdog by putting an end to moves to weaken its authority.

Former KPK chief Taufiequrrachman Ruki, along with former deputy Erry Riyana Hardjapamengkas, made an appearance at the launch of the Cicak Movement at the Proclamation Monument in Central Jakarta on Sunday.

Cicak, which means gecko, is an abbreviation of the Indonesian words for “Love Indonesia, Love KPK.”

The movement was sparked by corruption watchdogs and NGOs such as Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), the Indonesia Budget Center (IBC) and Transparency International Indonesia.

“These days, corruptors are fighting us all. Currently, they are systematically trying to put a stop to the war on corruption,” Ruki said at the rally to the applause of hundreds of supporters.

Ruki called for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to take real measures to save the KPK.

“Pak SBY, you are a former military officer. You must be brave and take action because this nation has suffered as a result of corruption,” he said on stage.

Meanwhile, Erry said the current KPK should not lose faith or sight of its goals fighting corruption even though its suspended chief Antasarhi Azhar remains detained for his connection to a high-profile murder.

“Since Antasari was implicated in that case, I have witnessed many efforts to weaken the KPK,” he said.

“I therefore support this Cicak Movement, as a citizen as well as a former KPK chief, and hope it will put a stop to any further moves to eradicate the corruption commission.

“Some KPK officials may have been involved in crimes, but that must not affect the institution or its goals.”

Several noted artists, such as Indra Bekti, Slank, and Efek Rumah Kaca, expressed their support for the KPK by attending the declaration.

Hundreds of people wore clothing or carried signs bearing the statement, “I am a gecko. I am bold enough to attack a crocodile”.  

The name for the “Cicak Movement” is derived from comments made by National Police chief of detectives, Comr. Gen. Susno Duadji, during an interview with Tempo Magazine last week.

“As a comparison, imagine there was a gecko and a crocodile. Does a gecko want to attack a crocodile? The crocodile won’t be angry but only be disappointed by the fact that, apparently, the gecko could be so stupid,” Susno said.

Emerson Yuntho from ICW said it was clear that Susno was likening the KPK to the gecko and the police to the crocodile.

“People easily understand what Susno meant by the lizard and crocodile [reference],” he said.

Susno has however denied the claims.

“I was just discussing an analogy involving animals. I didn’t say the animals referred to any institutions,” he said.

Speculation has been mounting that the police will name KPK deputy chief Chandra Hamzah as a suspect in the murder of Nasruddin Zulkarnaen, the same crime Antasari has been accused of masterminding.

Chandra, who authorized wiretaps to be issued for Nasruddin and his wife Rhani Juliani prior to the murder, will likely be charged with abusing his KPK authority. Earlier this month, Susno also hinted Chandra could be charged with “hiding murder information”. (bbs)

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