KPK Names Indonesian Parliament Second Most Corrupt Institution

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Adnan Pandu Praja, said the House of Representatives (DPR) is the second most corrupt institution in the nation after the police. Ironically, compared to other regions in Asia-Pacific, the Indonesian parliament is the only one that is considered a corrupt institution. 

"From 2009 to now, the rate of corruption in the parliament has consistently been in the top three," said Adnan during a discussion with the General Elections Committee (KPU) in Jakarta on Monday. "This is what’s great about our parliament, they’re creative," he said sarcastically. 

Adnan said that data from the KPK for the past 10 years (2004 to 2013) reveals that the most people involved in corruption are members of the House. He said that more than 65 lawmakers have been jailed for corruption. This is far higher than the amount of regional heads (32 mayors/district chiefs) and judges/state attorneys (10 people). 

Aside from that, Adnan also mentioned that the performance of the House continues to drop. During the beginning of the reformation, he said, lawmakers were doing a great job. 

"They produced quality legislation," he said. Yet 15 years after reformation, added Pandu, the quality of their laws is extremely different. 

House chairman Marzuki Alie responded to the anti-graft commission’s accusations by confirming them. However, he said the government is also responsible for this condition. 

"They would not be involved in corruption if no promises were made by executives, especially considering the government is usually sponsored by businessmen or other parties," said Marzuki. "Look at the cause, not just the results." 

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