Firli Bahuri: Extortion Allegations are Corruptor's Ploy to Weaken KPK

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri claimed that the extortion allegation against him was a ploy to weaken KPK's position.

"I believe that corruptors are conducting a retaliatory attack against KPK, against those who eradicate corruption," he said during a press conference on Monday, November 20, 2023.

Firli denied extortion allegations against former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo, as well as accusations of bribery or gratification. "I have never extorted anyone, and I have never been involved in bribery or gratification against anyone," he said.

Thus, Firli stressed that he would not step down from his current position as the head of KPK. According to Firli, these corruptors would come out victorious if he stepped down. "I will continue to devote myself to our beloved country. In principle, this nation needs the utmost devotion from all of its children, and for law enforcers to never stand down, especially against retaliatory attacks by corruptors," he remarked.

Firli Bahuri is currently being investigated for alleged extortion involving Syahrul Yasin Limpo, lobbying KPK to halt corruption investigations against the former minister. The leader of KPK has been probed twice by Metro Jaya police and the KPK Supervisory Council concerning these allegations. 

Syahrul Yasin Limpo himself has been named suspect for alleged corruption in the Ministry of Agriculture, along with two ministry officials Muhammad Hatta, the Director of Agriculture Equipment and Machinery, and the ministry's Secretary General Kasdi Subagyono. Syahrul was also charged with a money laundering offense.

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA

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