East Kolaka Regent Finally Arrested By KPK After The NasDem Party National Working Meeting

Koltim Regent Abdul Azis. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested East Kolaka Regent Abd Azis on Thursday night, August 7. He was then taken to the South Sulawesi Regional Police after participating in the NasDem Party National Working Meeting (Rakernas) agenda in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

This arrest is part of a hand arrest operation (OTT) carried out in three locations, namely Jakarta, Southeast Sulawesi, and South Sulawesi since yesterday. The silent activity is related to corruption in improving the quality or status of hospitals using the Special Allocation Fund (DAK).

"It was last night and is currently undergoing examination at the South Sulawesi Regional Police," said KPK Deputy Chair Fitroh Rochcahyanto when confirmed via written message, Friday, August 8.

"(The arrest was made, red) after the National Working Meeting was finished," he added.

Fitroh said Abd Azis would be taken to Jakarta today. "At 15.00 WIB, God willing, we will arrive at K4 (KPK's Red and White Building)," he said.

Previously reported, the KPK had brought seven people consisting of private parties and Civil Servants (PNS) in a hand arrest operation (OTT) on Thursday, August 7. However, the polemic had occurred because Deputy Chairperson of the KPK Johanis Tanak previously confirmed that the East Kolaka Regent was caught OTT but soon NasDem issued a statement Abd Azis participated in a national working meeting (rakernas).

"We respect the law and the investigation process, but don't do dramas in open spaces on social media," said NasDem DPP General Treasurer Ahmad Sahroni, in his statement, Thursday, August 7.

"If this Regent is the target of law enforcement, please do it according to the process. But don't make noise as if OTT. People are now smarter, they can't be fooled," said the Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR.

He also regretted the framing that created public noise, even though there was no formal legal process.