Harun Masiku Allegedly Never Hides Abroad, ICW: Evidence of the Corruption in the KPK's Search

The KPK fugitive in the PAW bribery case is a member of the DPR, Harun Masiku. (Ist)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has called the search for Harun Masiku dilapidated. This assessment was conveyed by Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Kurnia Ramadhana.

Kurnia said the KPK was not serious about looking for Harun, who had been a fugitive for three years since 2020. This was reflected in the statement by the Head of the International Relations Division of the National Police, Inspector General Krishna Murti, who stated that the bribe, former KPU chairman Wahyu Setiawan, had never been abroad.

"How dilapidated the KPK's search work is, and this at the same time confirms the public's suspicion that the anti-corruption agency protecting Harun is almost close to the truth", Kurnia said in a written statement quoted on Tuesday, August 8.

Kurnia then highlighted the KPK, which had been protracted looking for Harun but to no avail. According to him, there have been many irregularities and systematic efforts to protect the former legislative candidate.

However, ICW was not surprised. This is because during the leadership of KPK chairman Firli Bahuri, the KPK was closely involved in political matters when handling corruption cases.

According to Kurnia, the KPK only succeeded in arresting Harun when Firli was no longer serving as KPK chairman. "He (Aaron, ed) will remain free to roam without worrying about being prosecuted", he said.

As previously reported, the National Police said that Harun Masiku was in the country. This certainty is based on the crossing data they have.

"There is data on his crossing which shows that the person concerned is inside the country", said the Head of the International Relations Division of the Indonesian National Police, Inspector General Krishna Murti, after holding a meeting with the KPK's structural ranks at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Monday, August 7.

Meanwhile, the KPK has confirmed that it will follow up on information on the whereabouts of Harun Masiku, who is said to be in Indonesia. An active search will be carried out to make an arrest.

"If there is, we will definitely follow up. We will definitely carry out an active search", KPK Head of Reporting Section, Ali Fikri, told reporters.

Ali said the KPK had opened their ears about Harun's whereabouts. "So this meeting does not stop, going forward, we will follow up technically through the deputy for enforcement and the deputy for information and data", he said.