Allegations Of Deputy Minister Of Law And Human Rights Peras Helmut, ICW Urges KPK To Increase Investigation Status

Illustration. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) requested that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) be objective in handling reports of alleged extortion of IDR 7 billion which dragged the name of Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Edward Oemar Sharif Hiariej.

ICW researcher Kurnia Ramadhana also questioned the KPK's attitude regarding Eddy Hiariej's clarification on the report. It is known that Eddy himself had visited the KPK to clarify the report on March 20, 2023.

"For us, the clarification forum looks odd. How not, Eddy was only reported on March 14, 2023. This means that if you follow the working day date, it is practically only three days since the KPK has received a report on the alleged corruption crime committed by Eddy," said Kurnia in her statement on Monday, March 27.

His party also questioned whether the KPK had studied the report or not. Kurnia said that the KPK should have reviewed reports in the public complaint department first.

"Then follow up by conducting an investigation, not even hearing clarification from the reported party. Moreover, what are the legal reasons used by the KPK to justify Eddy's clarification and listen to his statement, if the report is suspected to have not been investigated?," he continued.

For this reason, ICW also urges the KPK to act objectively in handling this case. If after investigating sufficient preliminary evidence is found, he continued, the KPK must raise the status of handling the case to the level of investigation.

"At the same time, as a function of control, the Supervisory Board must really take seriously the handling of this case. This is important so that the legal process runs without interference from any party," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Indonesian Ombudsman, Mokhammad Najih, said that the emergence of reports of alleged extortion by Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Edward Oemar Sharif Hiariej against mining entrepreneur Helmut Hermawan had shown potential maladministration in the implementation of public services.

"The emergence of reports of alleged extortion in the mining licensing process and other public service processes shows that the potential for maladministration in the implementation of public services," said Najih.

Namely, such as in the form of abuse of authority, requests for reward, bribery to procedural irregularities.

"This shows that the bureaucratic reform process has not been maximally successful, irregularities are still very strong," he said.

His party also urged the KPK to confirm the IPW report regarding the Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights.

"How is the follow-up related that what is reported is a public official. This IPW report is accepted or rejected, or the investigation process is still ongoing. Don't let the reported person be polemic in the media. Because the KPK's response is not yet clear as a service provider in the field of law enforcement," he said.

As previously known, legal expert Fajar Trio recommended that President Jokowi disable Wamenkumham in order to maintain the independence of the KPK.