Witnesses in E-KTP Graft Case Ask for Protection from LPSK

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) chairman Abdul Haris Semendawai said that his agency has received both reports and requests for protection filed by witnesses in the electronic identity card or e-KTP graft case.

“We are currently studying the reports filed by the witnesses. We will see how far the LPSK can give protection in this case,” Haris said in his office on Wednesday, March 9, 2017.

Haris did not disclose the number and identity of the applicants of witness protection program in the e-KTP case. He said that the reports do not necessarily prove the existence of witness intimidation.

He said that the LPSK will certainly work closely with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in relation to the witness protection program. “Witnesses should not feel threatened for revealing the facts. We are ready to accompany the witnesses,” Haris said.

The e-KTP graft case is the biggest one to have ever been uncovered by the KPK since its inception. The investigators have at least questioned 294 witnesses allegedly had the knowledge of or involved in the act of corruption worth Rp2.3 trillion. The KPK have so far processed three perpetrators allegedly involved in the Rp5.84 trillion project.

The KPK has indicted two of whom in the Jakarta Corruption Court, namely former home affairs ministry officials Irman and Sugiharto. Investigators have also named businessman Andi Agustinus alias Andi Narogong as a fresh suspect for allegedly arranging the auction and budgeting in the project.

Earlier, the KPK deputy chief Suat Situmorang believes that the anti-graft agency will bring others allegedly involved and profited from e-KTP project to justice.

Saut said that investigators continue to carry out legal process, including re-summon several witnesses. “It takes time. Because it’s a large-scale graft, meaning that many were involved,” Saut said.

GRANDY AJI | DIDIT HARIYADI | FRANSISCO