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KPK scores first arrest in East Java after new leadership, law revision
Tuesday’s arrest was also the first under the chairmanship of three-star police general Firli Bahuri.
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Sidoarjo Regent Saiful Ilah arrives at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building in Jakarta on Jan. 8. Saiful was arrested in relation to a case pertaining to goods and services procurement. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested East Java’s Sidoarjo regent, Saiful Ilah, on Tuesday night.
The arrest was confirmed by acting KPK spokesperson Ali Fikri. “The KPK has apprehended a regional leader and other parties in Sidoarjo regency in a case pertaining to goods and services procurement.”
He, however, refused to disclose further details about the arrest. “More information regarding the case will be disclosed during a press briefing on Wednesday.”
Investigators had taken the regent to the East Java Police headquarters in the provincial capital of Surabaya on Tuesday night, where they reportedly interrogating Saiful. Dozens of others were also questioned in connection to the case at the police headquarters.
“I don’t know why I am being arrested,” Saiful said after being questioned on Wednesday as quoted by Antara.
Read also: KPK's role in doubt as new law takes effect
Apart from being the KPK's first arrest of 2020, it was the first since the controversial revision of the KPK Law. The regulation took effect in October after the House of Representatives passed a revised bill following speedy deliberation.
Among other controversies, the new law strips KPK commissioners of the status of investigators and prosecutors, potentially hindering the commission from carrying out operations to arrest officials, former KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo said.
Tuesday’s arrest was also the first under the chairmanship of three-star police general Firli Bahuri. (kuk)
