KPK Deputy Chair: Do Not Expect Too Much from the KPK

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In front of the leaders of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan criticized the practice of conducting sting operations (OTT), calling it outdated. Luhut suggested that a digital system should be developed to combat corruption instead of targeting public officials through sting operations.

KPK Deputy Chair Alexander Marwata agrees with Luhut’s perspective. According to him, the anti-graft agency has access to procurement systems and has developed profiles of officials. Therefore, Alex claims that the KPK can identify potential misconduct from the data it has collected. “So why do we need to conduct sting operations?” said Alex, 57.

The KPK has faced criticism not only for its sting operations but also for its independence in investigating cases. It is currently investigating allegations of corruption involving Harun Masiku and high-ranking officials of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). This investigation comes amid rising tensions between the PDI-P and President Joko Widodo. However, Alex denied the notion that the KPK’s handling of the case is politically motivated. “The investigators have only just obtained evidence recently,” he said.

Alex spoke with Tempo journalists Sunudyantoro, Riky Ferdianto, Lani Diana, and Khory Alfarizi at the KPK building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Friday, August 9. He shared his plans for after his term at the anti-corruption commission ends in December. Alex hopes to spend time reading books, writing, and becoming an expert in corruption trial proceedings. “It could be a new and enjoyable occupation,” he said. The following is the excerpt from the interview.

Luhut Pandjaitan has criticized the KPK’s sting operations, calling them outdated. Are you offended by this?

This is about the commotion caused by sting operations. For instance, the Semarang Mayor’s corruption case did not involve a sting operation. Several regional heads have been implicated in corruption cases without sting operations. We have mapped the corruption methods of regional heads and examined the procurement of goods and services. Many are problematic. Sting operations are actually not necessary.

You agree that sting operations should be stopped?

We are capable of checking individuals who are closest to the regional heads because we have profiled those people. From that information, it is already apparent whether the official has issues. So, why would we carry out sting operations? Those operations are akin to fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve. The media are abuzz. Sting operations will continue, hopefully managing to get some. We can also do without them.

Recent sting operations by the KPK only managed to bring in small corruption cases worth millions of rupiahs, not major scandals. Has the KPK lost its nerve?

We arrested regional heads, ministers, and even Supreme Court judges. Two judges were caught in sting operations. Perhaps there was an information leak and that could happen. The source of these leaks has not yet been uncovered. Members of the public who place hopes in KPK leadership might be disappointed to look up to us as if we were angels. Do not expect too much from the KPK.

The KPK is also accused of being political and selective in handling its cases. For example, the Harun Masiku corruption case allegedly involving PDI-P Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto...

Investigation into the case of Semarang Mayor, Harun Masiku, and the social assistance scandal has been ongoing for a long time. Why only now? Because the investigators have just obtained evidence. The KPK leadership does not deal with technicalities. We do not know how far investigators have proceeded in obtaining evidence. The investigation warrant is indeed signed by the leadership. However, I cannot follow the investigators and the development (of the investigation). We just trust them. We assume that all employees of the KPK have integrity. 

Has anybody ever contacted you to intervene in a case?

Never, not even by the President to halt a case. During my eight years at the KPK, I have never received a single call.

You may not be contacted, but perhaps other leaders have been...

I do not know. The other leaders never told me. It is not easy for leaders to avoid such situations. For example, I might disagree with continuing a case, but there could be other leaders who do not necessarily share my opinion.

We have heard that investigators from the police and the prosecutor’s office are more loyal to their original institutions than to the KPK. Is this true? 

That is human nature. If I were in their position and still hope that there would be promotions and so on from my original institution, I would lean on that institution. That is very human. I do not blame my friends from the police and prosecutor’s office. They coordinate with their home institutions. 

Read the Full Interview in Tempo English Magazine