Luhut Asks The Corruption Eradication Commission To Monitor Jakarta - Bandung High Speed Rail Project: I See A Lot To Save

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan while reviewing the Jakarta - Bandung high-speed rail project. (Photo: Doc. Between)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan asked the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to be involved in the work on mega infrastructure projects, such as the Jakarta - Bandung high-speed rail and the implementation of the National Single Window at various ports.

According to Luhut Pandjaitan, in the launch of the National Strategic Action on The Prevention of Corruption (Stranas PK) in Jakarta, Tuesday, April 13, the KPK needs to be involved in infrastructure projects to improve the function of prevention of corruption. With the active role of the KPK, it is expected that acts of fraud can be prevented, thus increasing efficiency and cost savings for the state treasury.

"Yesterday I saw the Jakarta - Bandung high-speed rail project, much we can save actually. Then also projects such as the national port single window", he said quoted from Antara.

Luhut wants the role of the KPK by improving prevention function can reduce or eliminate the chances of corruption in infrastructure projects. Moreover, Indonesia is currently speeding up infrastructure projects in various sectors, such as toll roads, railways, and food.

"There are many mega projects in the country that are underway, which need prevention so that corruption materials do not occur in the future, and I am very happy that the KPK plays this role in the future", said the former Presidential Chief of Staff.

If the KPK is actively involved in infrastructure projects from the beginning, it will also narrow the movement space of people who have been targeting corruption opportunities from various procurement activities. Luhut mentioned that there are also people who do not like it if the KPK is involved in infrastructure projects.

"I beg the KPK to come into this because many do not want this way because that's where the source of corruption is very much", he said.

In addition to the active role of the KPK, Luhut also promised to encourage the implementation of digitalization in the work of infrastructure projects. This means reducing the chances of officials committing corruption because it puts forward a transparent and accountable system.

He wants the KPK not only to do the crackdown but also actively engage directly in prevention.

"Let's not let anyone else make a mistake if we can remind them", he explained.