Corruption Convicts Participate In Corruption Prevention Socialization, Commission III DPR: See First, If New Lip Service Is Criticized

JAKARTA - Member of Commission III of the House of Representatives Arsul Sani asked all parties to refrain from commenting regarding the involvement of convicts of criminal acts of corruption in the prevention socialization program of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Arsul said the community should see the implementation first before commenting.

"In my opinion, we will see that there is nothing wrong with having a negative reaction. Later, if it turns out that the program is just lip service, we will criticize that it is not effective and so on," Arsul told reporters in Jakarta, Tuesday, August 24.

He then said that this kind of program was actually not only carried out by the anti-corruption commission. BNPT, said Arsul, has also implemented a similar program involving former terrorism convicts to prevent the spread of radicalism.

"Why is this not criticized, why is it that corruption must be criticized," said the United Development Party (PPP) politician.

Therefore, Arsul asked all parties including anti-corruption activists to always be open to various possibilities in the work process of eradicating corruption. He said all parties were allowed to submit criticism but it had to be proportional.

"Don't take everything as a negative," he said.

As previously reported, the Acting Spokesperson for the KPK for Prevention, Ipi Maryati, said that convicts of corruption crimes would not become anti-corruption counselors. He said later he would only be asked to give testimony about his experience.

This was conveyed to answer the polemic of anti-corruption counseling carried out by corruption convicts which has recently been highlighted by the public.

"They do not automatically become anti-corruption counselors, but these prisoners will be asked to give testimony about their experiences during the legal process, both the impact on themselves, their families, and in their social life," Ipi told reporters quoted on Monday, August 23.

By sharing these testimonies, it is hoped that these corrupt convicts can provide lessons for the community so that no one will follow their footsteps.

Ipi said that currently only seven inmates from Sukamiskin, Bandung and Tangerang prisons have passed the screening to be asked for their testimonies in this program. They were chosen after a psychologist carried out mapping of prisoners whose prison terms were almost over.

Mapping is done through two-way communication methods, recognizing personality, analyzing gestures, sound vibrations, writing strokes, and others. It aims to obtain data on prisoners who are willing and able to be involved in anti-corruption programs.

Moreover, Ipi said that everyone without exception has the opportunity to participate in preventing corrupt behavior and eradicating it. No exception to the convicts of corruption cases.

"There is no community group left behind in the corruption eradication program. The whole community can participate in eradicating corruption in accordance with their respective capacities, including former corruption convicts," he said.