KPK Supervisory Body Indecisive on Firli Bahuri's Status

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The recently-inaugurated supervisory board of Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was still indecisive on whether to order Firli Bahuri to step down from the National Police as he was appointed as the anti-graft body chair. Some parties believed that Firli must resign to maintain the independence of KPK.

"The supervisory board is still waiting for the regulations concerning its duties," said KPK supervisory board member Albertina Ho via a text message to Tempo on Thursday, December 26.

Another member Harjono said his party needed to conduct a meeting first to come into a conclusion. "The meeting will determine [the matter]," he added.

Meanwhile, Firli did not provide a clear answer when asked whether he would retire as a police officer or not after officially leading the anti-graft body.

"I devote myself to the nation and state. Not to individuals, but I serve the people, nation, and state," said Firli at the Presidential Palace Complex after his inauguration last Friday.

Many anti-corruption activists urged Firli to retire as they feared the latter’s status as an active police officer would lead to a conflict of interest when the KPK investigated allegations of corruption in the institution.

“This is to keep the independence of KPK," said the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation chair Asfinawati, suggesting Firli Bahuri followed Basaria Panjaitan’s way who resigned from the police as soon as she was appointed as the chairman of KPK for the 2015-2019 period.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI