UB Professor Supports Investigation of Alleged Corruption in Coal Supply

JAKARTA - Professor of Criminal Law at Brawijaya University, Prof. Dr. Prija Djatmika, expressed support for the steps taken by the National Police's Corruption Eradication Task Force (Kortas Tipikor) in investigating alleged corruption related to the fulfillment of coal supplies that were allegedly responsible for the blackout in Sumatra and a number of regions in Indonesia.

Prija assessed that the investigation of alleged corruption crimes, which include bribes, gratuities, and money laundering crimes (TPPU), needs to be carried out thoroughly and professionally.

"We fully support all efforts and actions of the Corruption Tipikor Court of the National Police in investigating this case. Anyone involved must be held accountable, without exception, including if it involves state officials or law enforcement apparatus," he said in a written statement.

According to him, the case is not only related to the potential financial losses of the state, but also concerns the economic and social impacts felt by the community due to power supply disruptions.

He assessed that the blackout could affect industrial activities, trade, and public services in the affected areas, so that the investigation of the case needs to be carried out transparently and independently.

Prija also reminded that parties who attempt to obstruct the investigation process can be charged with the law regarding obstruction of justice.

"Parties who obstruct the investigation process must be prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws. Law enforcement must not stop at certain perpetrators, but must be able to uncover all parties involved and complete this case to its roots," he said.

Furthermore, he said that the thorough investigation of the alleged corruption in the coal supply was in line with the government's anti-corruption agenda and the commitment of law enforcement officials in realizing professional, transparent, and just law enforcement.

The case of alleged corruption in fulfilling coal supplies has come under the spotlight because it relates to the energy sector which has a direct impact on the stability of the national electricity supply as well as the economic activities of the community and business world.