Asked To Open Up Illegal Mining 'Backing' Officials, Mahfud MD: Ask KPK Chair

JAKARTA - Candidate for vice president (cawapres) number three, Mahfud MD asked for data on officers protecting illegal mining to be asked to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

What he conveyed was a copy of the statement by the Provisional Chairperson of the KPK, Nawawi Pomolango, during the PAKU Integrity activity some time ago.

"If you want to ask questions, it is easier to ask the Chairman of the KPK. Therefore, the official speech of the Chairperson of the KPK at the PAKU Integrity event to presidential and vice presidential candidates," Mahfud told reporters in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, January 23.

"The chairman of the KPK stated that in Indonesia many mining mafias and others were backed up by officials and all of them. So that the source of corruption is there," he continued.

Even so, Mahfud said several officers who protected illegal mining entrepreneurs had begun to open up. However, a number of improvements must still be made, including making the state administrator's wealth report (LHKPN) to monitor officials.

This data should be the basis for appointing and dismissing officials. "This means that before taking office, please report the LHKPN first," said the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam).

"For example, the last five years have been true or not, the LHKPN. If it's not true, it can't be an official. Later when it's been an official, for example, for example, it's only been five months, how come the LHKPN was caught lying first, or now how come it's more extraordinary, outside of its profile, that's the basis for dismissing it too," added Mahfud.

As previously reported, the Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak responded to the statement by the vice presidential candidate number 3 Mahfud MD who stated that there were officers and officials who supported illegal mining. He questioned the statement.

"The officers can also be civil servants, yes, it's incomplete," said Maruli during a press conference at Headquarters, Central Jakarta, quoted by ANTARA Monday, January 22.

"So, yes, I said that, which one of the officers?" he continued.

Maruli ensured that the Indonesian Army had applied the legal principle to every soldier. He believes that his party does not dare to do anything that violates the law, including protecting illegal mines.

"So, it's also difficult for us in today's era, frankly, if for example we are like that, in our current video we are afraid. So, we are not that brave anymore. We have started. Indeed, sometimes the law will obey after there is coercion," he said.

"If we play with the mine so closely, take a photo, I'm sure the response is fast," continued the Army Chief of Staff.