TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi signed a decree on Thursday, Dec. 28, to dismiss Firli Bahuri as the chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

“The Presidential Decree takes effect on the stipulated date,” Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana confirmed to Tempo on Friday, Dec. 29.

Ari mentioned that the Decree No. 129/P of 2023 was based on three considerations. Firstly, Firli's resignation letter dated Dec. 22. Secondly, the KPK Supervisory Council’s Decision No. 03/DEWAN PENGAWAS/ETIK/12/2023 issued on Dec. 27. Finally, Article 32 of Law No. 30/2002 concerning the KPK, which states that the dismissal of the KPK chairman is determined through a Presidential Decree.

When asked if Firli was dismissed honorably or dishonorably, Ari said the Presidential Decree only stated the word "dismissal."

Firli Bahuri was found guilty of committing three ethical violations and was asked to step down from his position by the KPK's Supervisory Council in line with the council’s regulation No. 3/2021.

His violations included having direct and indirect contact with other parties involved in a case handled by the KPK, which in this case, was former agriculture minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL). He also failed to report his meeting with SYL to other fellow KPK leaders and had unregistered assets.

The KPK Supervisory Council's decision was taken on Friday, Dec. 22, and announced on Dec. 27.

Prior to this extortion case against SYL, Firli Bahuri had been in the public spotlight for various controversies, even while serving as the KPK’s deputy of enforcement. He reportedly met with several parties involved in the KPK cases, rented a luxury helicopter, and fired the KPK’s director of enforcement, Endar Priantoro.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

Editor's Choice: Jakarta Police Assure Firli Bahuri's Case Handling Will Proceed

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News