Civil Servant Status Threatens KPK's Independence: Deputy Chair

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy chairman Saut Situmorang opined the change in employment status to be a state apparatus or ASN threatens the institution’s independence.

According to him, there will be a conflict of values since the beginning of the implementation of the newly-revised law.

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy chairman Saut Situmorang opined that the change in the employment status to be state apparatus or ASN threatens the institution’s independence.

According to him, a conflict of values will arise at the beginning of the implementation of the newly-revised law. “KPK has its own values, so the new ones will possibly spark a collision,” said Saut at his office, Jakarta, Friday, November 22.

Saut assessed an issue about integrity underlies in the status of ASN, such as the lack of a merit system in the job promotion. He believed drafters of the KPK Law back in 2002 had acknowledged the matter, so the employment status is not set as ASN.

“KPK has its own formula for the recruitment, promotion, and salary affairs, having its independence,” Saut remarked.

The status so far made them having the courage to process suspects regardless of their background or rank. The employees are even able to criticize their superiors, Saut added.

This, however, is considered odd by other government institutions which Saut deemed due to different points of view.

The distinction in value will likely see a conflict following the status change. It seems that the anti-graft body employees start to concern about the matter after the implementation of the amended KPK Law.

Earlier, KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo said three employees had submitted their resignation letter for their refusal upon being promoted as civil servants as mandated in the law.

M ROSSENO AJI