KPK Chairman Asks Regional Heads, Including The Regent Of Banyumas Not To Be Concerned With Corruption Eradication Work

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri asked regional heads including Banyumas Regent Achmad Husain not to be uncomfortable with corruption eradication activities, including hand arrest operations (OTT).

He conveyed this in response to Achmad's statement asking the KPK not to immediately carry out silent operations but instead to prevent corrupt practices. He also said that regional heads were afraid of the sudden OTT which was often carried out to ensnare the perpetrators of corruption.

"Don't be uncomfortable with corruption eradication work. As long as you feel you are right in using state money and carrying out your mandate as a leader elected by the people," Firli said in a written statement, Monday, November 15.

He said regional heads, including Achmad Husain, did not have to worry about the KPK's performance. Firli asked them to focus on working by prioritizing the principles of good governance.

Moreover, Firli emphasized that KPK would not inform if his party would conduct OTT. Even so, the former Deputy for Enforcement of the KPK ensures that all actions taken by his subordinates are of course measurable and in accordance with the rules of law.

"We will continue to carry out preventive functions such as taking preventive measures so that corruption does not occur, supervision, coordination and monitoring in accordance with the mandate of Law Number 30 of 2002 as has been changed to Law Number 19 of 2019," said Firli.

"KPK is ready to coordinate prevention with all parties. But if there is corruption and there is sufficient evidence, it will be arrested," he added.

As previously reported, Banyumas Regent Achmad Husein expressed his wish for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to call the regional head first before conducting a hand arrest operation (OTT). The reason is that the silent operation scared the local leaders.

The request recorded in this video was re-uploaded by former KPK employee Aulia Postiera through her Twitter account @paidjodirajo.

"We are regional heads, we are all afraid and don't want to be OTT. So we ask the KPK, before the OTT we are summoned first. If he changes later, then he is released. But if he doesn't change, then he is arrested," wrote Aulia quoted the Banyumas Regent's statement quoted on Monday, November 15.

He said many things could be discussed why the Regent of Banyumas Achmad Husein conveyed this. However, Aulia said, thoughts like those conveyed by Achmad are considered to perpetuate corrupt practices in the country.

"What the Regent said is a fact of what (which) is in the minds of many officials in this country. It is natural that corruption will never end. It is very sad," he said.