Jokowi to Tap Activists for KPK Supervisory Body; KontraS Reacts

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) considered President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s plan to tap anti-corruption activists as members of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) supervisory board as a good move.

“That’s good. But, the revision of KPK Law had been criticized since the beginning. Is it aimed to make up for his mistake? To clean his hands?” said KontraS deputy coordinator Feri Kusuma to Tempo, Tuesday, December 3.

According to Feri, the practice had become the president’s strategy. However, the more fundamental thing is the government’s stance in earnestly combating corruption.

Besides, Feri feared that positions in the supervisory body will cause an adverse impact on the activists. “In such positions, they cannot run their independent duties,” he added.

Feri admitted that civil society groups have not yet received the offer from the palace. But he underlined that he welcomed the plan and hoped the appointed persons are the proper ones.

“Those who are not affiliated with a political party, professionals, have the competency, and acknowledge the history of the origin of KPK and why KPK is vital for the public and the state,” Feri remarked.

Previously, Jokowi said he was still selecting candidates for the KPK supervisory board. The president’s spokesman Fadjroel Rachman said the palace will prioritize anti-corruption activists to fill in the position.

HALIDA BUNGA FISANDRA | AHMAD FAIZ