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SWAT-like force needed to guard KPK detectives: ICW
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SWAT officers in Orlando, Florida, the US. (via AP) (Florida Today/Craig Rubadoux)
T
he Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) suggests that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) establish its own independent security unit tasked with protecting KPK investigators.
Such a force should be set up in anticipation of attacks on KPK investigators such as the recent acid attack on senior KPK investigator Novel Baswedan, ICW researcher Emerson Yuntho said.
(Read also: Indonesian police join forces to investigate assault on top graft buster)
Novel, who led the KPK’s investigation into cases such as those surrounding the procurement of an e-ID system implicating dozens of politicians and government officials, suffered burns to his face after unidentified people sprayed acid on his face on Tuesday morning.
"Considering recent events, the KPK should indeed establish its own security unit, the guardian of the KPK," Emerson said in a statement as quoted by kompas.com on Friday.
The establishment of such a security unit would release the KPK from its dependency on security officials, including the National Police. Emerson took the example of SWAT units that complemented police agencies in the US.
"They are specifically recruited and trained, and they could even be armed," Emerson said.
(Read also: Top Indonesian graft busters putting their lives on line)
The team should also conduct silent operations and secure raids, as well as investigate acts of terror against the KPK.
"The KPK should independently recruit the members of the team so they are loyal to the KPK, not other institutions," Emerson added. (afr/bbs)
