Kaleidoscope 2023: Irony Of Firli Bahuri, Chair Of The Anti-Corruption Agency Who Becomes A Corruption Suspect

The inactive KPK chairman Firli Bahuri answered reporters' questions after visiting the KPK Supervisory Board (Dewas) Office, ACLC KPK Building, Jakarta, Thursday (12/12/2023). (Between/Reno Esnir/Spt)

JAKARTA - Polda Metro Jaya has officially named the Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri as a suspect in the alleged extortion case of former Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL). The determination of the suspect was carried out in a case title conducted at Polda Metro Jaya, Wednesday (22/11/2023) at 19.00 WIB.

"We have carried out a case title with the results of finding sufficient evidence to determine Brother FB as Chairman of the Indonesian KPK as a suspect," said Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Ade Safri Simanjuntak during a press conference at his office.

Firli was accused of violating Article 12 E, 12 B or Article 11 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the eradication of corruption in conjunction with Article 65 of the Criminal Code. Ade explained that the maximum sentence in Article 12 B paragraph 2 is life imprisonment.

"In paragraph 2 it is stated that criminal acts for civil servants or state administrators as referred to in paragraph one are sentenced to life imprisonment or imprisonment for a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 20 years, and a minimum fine of Rp. 200 million and a maximum of Rp. 1 billion," he said.

The alleged case of Firli Bahuri's extortion of SYL emerged in early October after circulating photos of the two of them being seen chatting together at the Badminton Sports Hall. At the same time, the KPK was investigating the corruption case that ensnared the Democratic National Party politician, before he was finally named a suspect on October 11.

After conducting a series of examinations of Firli and the witness who was full of drama, because he was absent back and forth, on Wednesday (22/11/2023) Polda Metro Jaya named Firli as a suspect in alleged corruption. He is suspected of extortion, or receiving gratuities, or receiving gifts, or promises by civil servants, or state officials related to the handling of legal problems at the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture in the period 2020-2023.

The determination of the suspect Firli Bahuri is actually ironic. As the person who heads the anti-corruption agency, he was actually caught in an extortion case. The image of the KPK under Firli's leadership fell. Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Kurnia Ramadhana said the Firli era KPK was the worst in history.

The KPK's achievement in the 2019-2023 period was zero, because they produced more controversy than achievements. For OTT, the numbers have dropped, not to mention the internal controversy of the KPK itself, such as the dismissal of KPK employees for failing the national insight test," said Kurnia during a conversation with VOI.

"It's not wrong if the public criticizes the KPK, assessing that the KPK under Firli is the worst leadership in the history of the institution's establishment," added Kurnia.

Contacted separately, political observer and Executive Director of the Voxpol Center Research and Consulting, Pangi Syarwi Chaniago also appreciated the performance of Polda Metro Jaya.

According to Pangi, this is a positive signal, because there is actually no dominant legal institution in Indonesia. The examination of Firli could be a place for mutual correction between institutions.

"The current KPK seems to have faced resistance from the Regional Police. But actually it's good to correct each other, control each other, so that no institution feels really dominant," said Pangi.

"The KPK in the past was like God, as if no one could correct it. Now it's actually good because no one is dominant," Pangi added.

Firli Bahuri was elected as Chairman of the KPK for the 2019-2023 period by Commission III of the DPR on September 13, 2019. However, on his way as chairman of the anti-corruption commission, Firli's name was quite often sparked controversy. The man who was born in Prabumulih, South Sumatra, November 8, 1963, is known to have met several times with people who were stumbled upon by corruption whose cases were handled by the KPK.

In November 2022, for example, Firli met with corruption suspect Lukas Enembe, who was then a suspect in bribery and gratification. Lukas Enembe was also charged with alleged money laundering (TPPU).

Previously, in June 2021 ICW reported Firli to the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police on suspicion of receiving gratuities for the use of helicopters for personal visits. Firli is considered to show a hedonism lifestyle. Even though he was proven to have violated the code of ethics, Firli only received a written warning.

Seeing Firli's series of controversies before finally being named a suspect, criminal law observer Masykur Isnan considered this a test for the KPK itself as a state institution tasked with eradicating corruption in Indonesia.

"Many things can be noted. First, in the context of KPK institutions this is good news, the KPK must indeed be filled by parties who have integrity and accountability. Don't let the KPK be filled by the opposite people," said Isnan during a conversation with VOI.

The KPK must also immediately optimize its functions to be more present to the community. Benalu-benalu, which is considered to be able to hinder the performance of the KPK, must be eliminated more quickly," Isnan added.

With Firli's current status as a suspect, Isnan hopes to restore the image of the anti-corruption commission, even though he realizes it's not an easy matter.

"I hope this can also restore the image of the KPK in public spaces. Because as we know, Firli has a negative record in society. The KPK in its current position should limit Firli's space for conflict of interest," Isnan concluded.

Recently, Firli said he resigned as Chairman of the KPK. This was conveyed after Firli met with the chairman and members of the KPK Council. However, Firli was not present at the ethics trial. Firli had brought up his duties at the KPK since 2019 as chairman of the KPK.

"In the context of four years of carrying out my duties as Chairman of the KPK for the 2019-2023 period from December 20, 2019 to December 20, 2023, I ended my duties as Chairman of the KPK," said Firli Bahuri on Thursday (12/12/2023).