TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) assessed that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has no commitment to eradicating corruption, said a researcher Kurnia Ramadhan in response to the president’s clemency to graft convict Annas Maamun.

"Since the beginning, the president does not have a clear commitment. The anti-corruption narrative uttered by him is merely empty promises," Kurnia said in a written statement on Tuesday, November 26.

ICW detailed four decisions taken by the president that showed the absence of his commitment to fighting corruption:

1. Granting clemency to Annas Maamun

Jokowi favored Annas’ request for clemency under a presidential decree No. 23/G of 2019 dated October 25. "In the form of a sentence cut from seven years to six years imprisonment," said Ade Kusmanto, who is the spokesman for the Directorate General of Corrections, on Tuesday, November 26.

Annas is scheduled for a release on October 3, 2020.

2. Selecting problematic leaders for the KPK

ICW opined that the selection process of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) leadership for the 2019-2023 period was such a big plan as many parties overlooked a variety of negative notes regarding the selection process from the beginning until the inauguration of Insp. Gen. Firli Bahuri on September 13.

"This means, the selection process managed by the committee, President's political stance, and what happened in the Indonesian Parliament seem like a string of a process as if it is part of a big plan," said Kurnia, adding that he continued being pessimistic about efforts of eradication of corruption in the archipelago.

3. Supporting the revision of KPK Law

ICW accused Jokowi of breaking his promises again after backing the revision of Law No. 30/2002 on the KPK. "By agreeing to the revision of the KPK Law proposed by the DPR, it seems that Nawacita (President’s flagship program) is completely invisible," said Kurnia.

President announced his political promises when running as president in 2014. Among the nine programs are system reformation and law enforcement that is free of corruption, dignified, and trusted. However, Kurnia added, it was contrasted to the revised KPK Law, which clipped the body’s wings.

4. Refusing to issue KPK Perpu

ICW also condemned Jokowi's attitude of delaying the passage of regulation in lieu of law (Perpu) to annul the newly-passed law. "As if the President did not listen to massive rejection echoed by various elements of people throughout Indonesia," said Kurnia Ramadhana on October 8.

ANDITA RAHMA | M. ROSSENO AJI