KPK Chairman Concerning Vaccines For Corruption Prisoners At The KPK Detention Center: They Are Vulnerable Groups

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri responded to the polemic in the community regarding the provision of the COVID-19 vaccine for corruptors detained in detention centers.

Firli said, detainees at the KPK detention center are among the vulnerable groups who need to get vaccinated.

"KPK detainees are one of the parties who are vulnerable to contracting and transmitting the virus," Firli said in his written statement, Thursday, February 25.

Prisoners, he continued, are included in the vulnerable group because they often have contact with various parties, from prison officials, investigators, prisoners' families, legal counsel, and other related parties. So, to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19 for corruption detainees at the KPK detention center, vaccinations need to be carried out immediately.

Moreover, until now the transmission of this virus in detention is so high. There are 20 people or 31 percent of the 64 detainees who have contracted COVID-19.

"And there are even employees who died," he said.

So, reflecting on these data, vaccination in the KPK environment is carried out comprehensively starting from canteen officers, cleaners, journalists, detainees, and all employees including leaders and supervisory boards.

"The KPK views it as important to vaccinate prisoners because of their activities and interactions with KPK employees and other parties. This is also to provide protection to these parties," he said.

Firli also said the health of prisoners was also important. This is to support the ongoing process of handling and trial of cases.

"Health is the right of every human being, as is the case for a prisoner. In the Covid-19 pandemic the state is responsible through the vaccination program," he said.

The KPK carried out COVID-19 vaccinations against 39 corruption case detainees including former Social Minister Juliari Batubara who was a suspect in the bribery case for the provision of COVID-19 social assistance in Greater Jakarta.

"Of the total 61 KPK detainees, 39 have been vaccinated and 22 others have been postponed for health reasons," said Acting KPK spokesperson for prosecution Ali Fikri in his written statement, Wednesday, February 24.

Previously reported, since last Thursday, February 18, the KPK has held a vaccination program until February 23rd. This vaccine is given from all leaders, the supervisory board, employees, detainees, to journalists at the KPK.