Hasto Calls His Case A Form Of Legal Criminalization Due To PDIP's Attitude That Criticizes Rulers

PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto at the KPK building, Monday, January 13, 2025 (Wardhany Tsa Tsia/VOI)

The Secretary General (Sekjen) of the PDI-P, Hasto Kristiyanto, stated that the alleged bribery case for interim replacement (PAW) members of the DPR and the obstruction of investigations involving him were a form of legal criminalization. The basis is because of the PDIP's political stance which often criticizes the 'control' at that time.

The statement was made when reading the objection or exception note at the trial of the alleged bribery case of interim replacement (PAW) members of the DPR and the obstruction of the investigation.

"The question is, why do I and my legal advisory team dare to conclude that the cases that befell me are more political aspects that use the law as a means of justification that leads to legal criminalization?" Hasto said in a trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Friday, March 21.

According to him, as the secretary general, it is in charge of expressing the party's political stance related to various national-international political events and dynamics. Where, it is often against the direction of the authorities.

For example, when rejecting the presence of the Israeli football team in the 2023 U-20 World Cup. Then, criticizing the Constitutional Court's intervention by political power for the sake of electoral interests through the Constitutional Court's Decision Number 90/PUU-XXI/2023.

"Besides that, the determination in maintaining the constitution, democracy through jurdil elections and the rejection of the use of state sources of funds as well as state tools in the last 2024 election had created an unpleasant attitude within the authorities at that time," he said.

Thus, intimidation against him began to befall him or since August 2023. In fact, the more massive and stronger after the general election and regional elections simultaneously. The peak is ahead of the process of dismissing PDIP cadres who still have a strong influence on power.

"However, what became the party's political stance is a reflection of the sovereignty of the Party which has a very long discipline and track record of struggle since the PNI was founded by Bung Karno on July 4, 1927," he said.

For this critical attitude, said Hasto, the Harun Masiku case has always been a suppression instrument aimed at him. This can be seen from the monitoring of the mass media.

"Where the Harun Masiku case always tends to rise along with the political dynamics and the PDI-P's critical attitude," said Hasto.