Corruption Convicts Get Remission, KPK: Rights But With Conditions

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said that granting remissions to convicts of criminal acts of corruption is a right. However, the award must be based on applicable conditions because corruption is an extraordinary crime that has an impact on many aspects.

This was conveyed in response to the granting of remissions to a number of convicts of corruption cases in commemoration of the 76th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia on 17 August.

"Remission is the right of a convict to get a reduction in sentence but of course with certain conditions," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, to reporters quoted on Sunday, August 21.

He declined to comment further on the granting of this remission. However, the KPK has ensured that it will continue to investigate, investigate, and prosecute the perpetrators of corruption according to the facts, analysis, and legal considerations.

In addition, the anti-corruption commission will also focus on recovering assets from perpetrators of corruption.

"KPK hopes that every principal and additional punishment for the perpetrators of corruption can provide a deterrent effect while still upholding the principle of legal justice," said Ali.

Furthermore, he hopes that this kind of punishment can also provide lessons to the public so that corruption does not occur.

"KPK also simultaneously implements anti-corruption prevention and education strategies with great hopes that one day this country will be free from corruption," said Ali.

Previously reported, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights granted remission to 214 convicts of corruption. Of these, 210 inmates got their sentences cut while 4 inmates could immediately breathe fresh air outside the iron bars.

Remissions are given to all prisoners who have met administrative and substantive requirements, such as having served a minimum of 6 months in prison, not registered on Register F, and actively participating in coaching programs in prisons, detention centers, or LPKA.

There are a number of names of corruption convicts who received remission in the form of a reduced prison term, including the former Deputy Chairperson of Commission VII DPR RI who became a prisoner in the bribery case of PLTU Riau-1; Director of PT Dua Putra Perkasa Pratama who is a convict in the bribery case for exporting lobster seeds or shrimp, Suharjito; until the convicts in the e-KTP mega-corruption case, namely Andi Agustinus or Andi Narogong, former Director-General of Dukcapil Irman, and former official at the Ministry of Home Affairs Sugiharto.

In addition, there are also the names of the convicts in the bribery case of the police generals and prosecutors Joko Tjandra and Tommy Sumardi and the convict in the Supreme Court fatwa bribery case who is Pinangki Sirna Malasari's partner, Andi Irfan Jaya.