TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Law and Human Rights spokesman Bambang Wiyono stressed that his side did not attempt to hide graft suspect Harun Masiku. The Immigration had reported the PDIP politician’s whereabouts in Indonesia to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

“Yes, we have delivered the information [to KPK],” said Bambang during a press conference at the Immigration Building, Jakarta, Wednesday, January 22.

The point is, Bambang said, the Immigration Office always support the anti-graft body. “Do not suspect us of hiding the person [Harun] or obstruct the ongoing legal enforcement process.”

On the same occasion, the spokesman for the Immigration Office Arvin Gumilang outlined two possible reasons why the information was published on Tuesday. “Whether that is because of [the airport] system delay or information delay.” Arvin opined the news disclosure was not postponed.

Previous reports suggested that the Immigration office announced that Harun left for Singapore on January 6 and had not yet returned. However, 14 days after the sting operation against Commissioner of the General Election Commission (KPU) Wahyu Setiawan, it admitted that Harun had been in Indonesia since January 7, claiming there was a delay in data entry.

"Nothing is late. The important thing is that the person [Harun Masiku] is currently in Indonesia and [we have carried out measures to] prevent [him from departing abroad]. That is the point,” Arvin underlined.

HALIDA BUNGA