KPK: Immunity for Lawmakers Not Applicable to Corruption Cases

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) spokesperson Febri Diansyah said House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Setya Novanto cannot use the immunity excuse to avoid a questioning. According to Febri, the Law on Legislative Institutions (MD3) does not provide an immunity for lawmakers who commit corruption crimes.

The KPK spokesperson explained that lawmakers cannot use the immunity right for an alleged corruption case. According to Febri, such a right could hamper an investigation into corruption cases involving lawmakers.

Read: KPK Says Setya Novanto Should Comply with Summons

“It would be very risky if a lawmaker cannot be probed based on the immunity right,” he said at his office on Tuesday, November 14.

Setya refused to attend KPK’s questionings as a witness in a graft case surrounding the procurement of electronic ID cards (e-KTP). In a letter sent by the House of Representatives’ secretary general, Setya said that the anti-graft commission needs to obtain President’s approval to summon him.

Setya’s lawyer Fredrich Yunadi said he would ask for protection from the President, National Police, and Military should the KPK decide to pick Setya up by force.

Febri explained that the MD3 Law provides that a President’s approval is necessary if the lawmaker allegedly commits a special crime.

“It means that the provision is not applicable [in Setya’s case],” said the KPK spokesperson.

ARKHELAUS WISNU TRIYOGO