ICW Respects Moeldoko's Steps, Responds To Public Criticism By Taking Legal Paths

JAKARTA - Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) respects the steps taken by Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko to respond to criticism by reporting to the police.

This was conveyed in relation to Moeldoko's reporting of alleged defamation by ICW because he said he was hunting for money from the spread of the antiparasitic drug Ivermectin.

"ICW fully respects the steps taken by the Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko who chose the legal route to respond to public criticism," said ICW researcher Kurnia Ramadhana in a written statement received by VOI, Friday, September 10.

In fact, instead of reporting, he continued, there is another way that Moeldoko can take, namely providing relevant arguments and rebuttal evidence.

Moreover, ICW is of the opinion that the study is actually intended to mitigate the potential for corruption, collusion and nepotism between KSP and the private sector regarding the spread of Ivermectin.

Kurnia also said that Moeldoko was too far in interpreting the study produced by ICW. Egi Primayogha, as an ICW researcher who explained the Ivermectin study, never made any direct accusations against Moeldoko.

"ICW ensures that all sentences in the press release use the words 'indication' and 'allegation'. Before arriving at the conclusion of an alleged conflict of interest, we ensure that the study has gone through the process of seeking information and data from various credible sources," said Kurnia.

Furthermore, he also admitted that there was an erroneous verbal submission regarding the rice export cooperation between the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI) and PT Noorpay Nusantara Perkasa. However, this has been clarified and even ICW has apologized when responding to a subpoena letter from Moeldoko's camp.

"Due to the legal steps to report to the Criminal Investigation Unit carried out by KSP Moeldoko, ICW has been accompanied by a number of legal counsel. Therefore, the legal counsel will accompany the reported party to face every stage in the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Police," said Kurnia.

He hopes that this report will not affect the steps of community groups to carry out the role of supervising the actions and policies taken by public officials.

Kurnia said that supervision must continue to be carried out so that potential abuses of power, corruption, collusion and nepotism can be detected to prevent harm to the community.

Previously reported, Moeldoko officially reported Egi Primayoha and Miftah from Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) to the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Police. The report relates to allegations of defamation regarding allegations of rent-seeking.

The decision to report the two IWC commissioners was because his patience had run out. Moeldoko has given a deadline for them to explain or clarify the allegations.

But until now they never did. In fact, it does not show good faith. Moeldoko's report is registered with the number LP/B/0541/IX/2021/SPKT/BARESKRIM POLRI dated September 10, 2021.