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KPK proceeds with bribery prosecution as key suspect Harun Masiku remains at large
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The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building stands on Jl. HR Rasuna Said, Jakarta, on Nov. 30, 2015. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
T
he Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has proceeded with the prosecution of businessman Saeful Bahri in a bribery case implicating Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician Harun Masiku, even though the latter remains at large.
KPK deputy chairperson Nurul Ghufron said that investigators had deemed Saeful's case file complete even without Harun's testimony, thus the prosecution could proceed. The KPK handed the case file over to prosecutors on Friday.
"What is important in a bribery case is the clarity that the giver is X and the receiver is Y, who is a state actor and that it is within the latter's duty and authority to proceed with their consensus,” Ghufron said at the KPK headquarters on Friday.
He said that the investigation into the case had revealed that Harun had bribed General Elections Commission (KPU) commissioner Wahyu Setiawan in exchange for the latter's approval for the politician to fill the seat of a deceased politician in the House of Representatives. The KPK named Harun a bribery suspect on Jan. 9 and has put him on its most-wanted list.
Read also: Concerns of cover up grow after KPK dismisses officials probing KPU bribery case
Ghufron added that even though there was still time for the investigation and detainment to proceed, the KPK had the right to hand over the case file as long as it was considered complete.
"Within 14 days, the public prosecutor will hand over the case to the Corruption Court. The trial will be held at the Jakarta Corruption Court," KPK acting spokesperson Ali Fikri said in a written statement.
The case revolves around a dispute between the KPU and the PDI-P over who should take over a legislative seat left vacant by deceased PDI-P politician Nazaruddin Kiemas. The KPU gave the seat to Riezky Aprilia, who won the second-highest number of votes in the April 17, 2019, legislative election, despite the PDI-P’s request that it be given to Harun.
On Jan. 8, the KPK arrested Wahyu for allegedly accepting Rp 600 million (US$43,950) from Harun through former Elections Supervisory Agency member Agustiani Tio Fridelina and Saeful. The four suspects have been charged with bribery and, except for Harun who has been declared a fugitive, are now in KPK custody. (ars)
