Anti-Corruption Watchdogs Respond to Alleged Extortion in KPK Detention

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Two watchdogs, Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) with the Gadjah Mada University center of anticorruption studies (Pukat UGM), have both responded to the alleged case of an Rp4 billion extortion practice within the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detention center.

As previously reported, the KPK Supervisory Board (Dewas KPK) found that there were practices of alleged extortion in the KPK detention center.

ICW: Lack of Integrity 

ICW Coordinator Agus Sunaryanto said that the findings of alleged extortion at the KPK Detention Center were the direct result of the lack of a figure of integrity in the anti-corruption agency. Despite not specifically mentioning the figure he refers to, Agus stated that the current leadership must be replaced immediately.

"This is due to the loss of a figure of integrity in the KPK leadership who should have served themselves as an example. So if you want to change, don't extend your term of office," said Agus on June 20. "A new (leader) must be put in place whose credibility and integrity are maintained," he added.

Agus reminded the people in the KPK detention center of the initial aim of establishing the facility as it was initially meant to prevent any illegal fees for special prison services and preferential treatment, which is a contradiction to what is happening currently. 

“It is truly ironic,” said Agus. 

Pukat UGM Offers 3 Suggestions 

Zaenur Rohman, Researcher at the Center for Anti-Corruption Studies at Gadjah Mada University Yogyakarta, said that there were three aspects that had to be put in place to thoroughly investigate allegations of extortion at the KPK Detention Center.

According to Zaenur, the first is the enforcement of criminal law as accountability for any extortion practices within the KPK Detention Center.

Zaenur said what must be noticed is the ethical and disciplinary aspects that need to be enforced to encourage the zero-tolerance principle in investigating this case.

"There must be zero tolerance for violations of the principle of integrity at the KPK. Of course, if you receive gratuities like this, you must be dismissed," said Zaenur on June 21. 

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA

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