KPK Asks For Debate On Additional Terms To Be Closed After The Government Declares Follow The Constitutional Court's Decision

Deputy Chairperson Of The KPK Nurul Ghufron/PHOTO DOK VOI-Wardhany Tsa Tsia

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Nurul Ghufron asked for a debate about the addition of the leadership term which was knocked out by the Constitutional Court (MK) to be closed. The government is considered to have been firm and law-abiding.

"Let's close this debate and we hope, let's think about togetherness in eradicating corruption again," Ghufron told reporters in a written statement, Friday, June 9.

"We, the KPK, appreciate the president's firmness and lead the public to obey the law," he continued.

Ghufron said the government's stance was in accordance with Article 47 of the Constitutional Court Law. The regulation stated that the Constitutional Court's decision obtained permanent legal force since it was pronounced in a plenary session open to the public.

Following the Constitutional Court's decision, the term of office of KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri and four other representatives will only be completed in 2024.

"Article 34 has been applied based on the Constitutional Court's decision to become a new law regarding the periodization periodization period for KPK leaders, which is 5 years," he said.

As previously reported, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD stated that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) would follow the decision of the Constitutional Court (MK) regarding the addition of the term of office of the head of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The decision was taken after paying attention to debates between academics and constitutional experts.

"The government has decided to follow the Constitutional Court's decision," Mahfud told reporters at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday, June 9.

Mahfud agrees that many parties do not agree with the decision. However, the government must still comply with the decision that has been made by the Constitutional Court.

"Because the Constitutional Court states that the position of Commissioner of the KPK is valid for five years and applies to the existing period, it will be followed," he said.