Anti-corruption Activist: President Jokowi Prefers Theatrics

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of anti-corruption activists have criticized President Joko Widodo or Jokowi for not attending the global anti-corruption commemoration held at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters on Monday, December 9, 2019. 

Activists considered Jokowi's absence as an affirmation for his lack of commitment in eradicating corruption in Indonesia.

Jakarta Legal Aid's Head of Advocacy M Isnur quipped Jokowi's preference to watch a school play at the SMKN 57 Jakarta, which present theatrical performances of three state-ministers in an anti-corruption play. 

"Jokowi prefers to watch dramas, [he] prefers theatrical plays," said Isnur at the anti-corruption headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

Moreover, Isnur asserted that the president's decision represents his political stand in terms of corruption eradication. He also surmises that Jokowi's lack of attendance in the global anti-corruption commemoration is due to fear of being asked about passing the revised KPK Law or his commitment to issuing a regulation in lieu of law (perpu) to annul the revision to the KPK Law that is considered to be problematic. 

"Being present at a school is important, I understand. But that can be done another time," said Isnur.

Constitutional Law Expert Bivitri Susanti also criticized the president's absence in the anti-corruption commemoration event and fears that it shows Jokowi's political stance of not supporting the KPK. 

Despite President Jokowi's absence in KPK headquarters on Monday, December 9, 2019, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin was there to represent the government in support of anti-corruption.

M ROSSENO AJI