NasDem Legislator Criticizes KPK, Says Corruption Cases Should Be Investigated Purely for Legal Reasons, Not for Fault Finding

Working Meeting of Commission III of the DPR and the KPK. Photo: Nailin/VOI

JAKARTA – Rudianto Lallo, a member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the NasDem Party faction, criticized the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)'s sting operations (OTT), particularly following the recent arrest of East Kolaka (Koltim) Regent Abdul Azis in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

According to Rudianto, the use of the term OTT in this case needs to be reviewed. He believes there are inconsistencies between the KPK's narrative about the OTT and the fact that Abdul Azis was attending the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) in Makassar at the time.

"I participated in a press conference regarding news that we considered quite disturbing. Because there was a National Working Meeting (Rakernas), then news emerged that the Regent of East Kolaka was arrested in a sting operation. He was in Makassar for the Rakernas," said Rudianto during a working meeting with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The legislator from the South Sulawesi electoral district believes that, as an institution with significant authority, the KPK should uphold the principle of justice in every legal process, including in choosing the terminology used to address the public.

"We are the sovereignty of the people, who also elected KPK commissioners yesterday. In the name of the people's sovereignty, of course we must remind each other, including regarding the interpretation of terminology," said Rudianto.

He also highlighted the stages of the investigation process in the case. He stated that the investigation certainly begins with public reports, but the KPK's surveillance mechanism through wiretapping must have a strong basis.

Furthermore, Rudianto questioned why Abdul Azis' arrest was carried out after news emerged that the KPK had conducted a sting operation. In fact, he said, sting operations are generally carried out simultaneously with the arrest of the perpetrator and the confiscation of evidence.

"If this were done to all regional heads or officials, there would be many victims, sir. That's why I always say, finding fault is not justified. Finding fault, yes," he said.

He also expressed concern that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)'s law enforcement would result in the toleration of suspected criminal acts, rather than prevention from the start.

"Why didn't the KPK say, 'Hey, be careful, Regent. You have such and such a project, and there's already preliminary evidence.' This was before the sting operation, you know. Or perhaps that's what we reject: festivalization or the use of the word drama," he said.

Rudianto warned against the perception that the anti-corruption agency is being used as a political tool to weaken certain political parties. He cited the example of the arrest of a regional head during the NasDem Party's National Working Meeting.

"For example, if NasDem is holding a National Working Meeting, the way to overthrow them is to arrest regional heads. There's no guarantee of their safety. The bottom line is, we don't want that to happen," he said.

He also quoted the statement of the Proclaimer, Bung Hatta, that the country would be damaged if law enforcement were used as a political tool.

As a partner of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in parliament, Rudianto emphasized the importance of maintaining the institution's independence in carrying out its law enforcement duties purely and professionally.

"If we can't prevent a crime from occurring, why don't we prevent it?" he said.

Concluding his statement, Rudianto also quoted a statement by KPK Deputy Chairman Johanis Tanak during his fit and proper test at the House of Representatives. At that time, Tanak expressed his disagreement with the use of the term "sting operation."

"Mr. Johanis said during the fit and proper test that he disagreed with the word 'operation,' because he said it sounded like medical practice," Rudianto concluded.