TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Kurnia Ramadhana on Friday commented on the latest hymn of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) which was written by the KPK chairman’s wife, Ardina Safitri.

Kurnia reminded the anti-graft agency that releasing a hymn will not improve the agency’s corruption perception index, contribute to KPK’s performance, nor will it better the tarnished image of KPK in the public’s eyes.

“[The hymn introduction] is practically a ceremonial activity and a mere gimmick,” said the researcher to Tempo.

He asserted that symbolism and ceremonial activities were no stranger to the agency as he said it was not the first time it had happened. Ramadhana mentioned a number of activities with arguable substances such as an absurd text message distributed to the public claiming to be from KPK chairman Firli Bahuri; inviting journalists to an event that showcases the chairman’s cooking ability in the early stages of his career as chairman; and distributing social aid packages to the general public.

“Since the beginning, the ICW has insisted that Firli Bahuri’s leadership is only filled with gimmicks and controversies, rather than achievements,” said Ramadhana.

In the launch of the KPK hymn, the Law and Human Rights Ministry representative handed over the rights to the hymn lyrics.

Read: KPK Detains 2 Consultants in Tax Bribery Case

MOH KHORY ALFARIZI