Kaesang And Gibran Reported, Observer Says KPK's Neutrality Is A Bet, Don't Take It Into The Political Field

Illustrations (Photo: Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) got hot balls with reports from UNJ lecturer Ubedilah Badrun to the two sons of President Joko Widodo, Gibran Rakabuming and Kaesang Pangarep on suspicion of corruption and money laundering.

Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, M. Jamiluddin Ritonga, believes that the KPK will be tested for its independence in handling corruption allegations. "The neutrality of the KPK as a special institution to eradicate corruption will be seen in the handling of the alleged corruption cases of Gibran and Kaesang," said Jamiluddin in Jakarta, Tuesday, January 11.

Without neutrality, he continued, it would be difficult for the KPK to dismantle the alleged corruption case. This, he said, would disturb the sense of justice in the community.

According to Jamiluddin, the KPK should only look at the case from a legal point of view. That way, according to him, KPK investigators can work without any pressure so that the case can be dismantled purely from the perspective of the law of corruption.

"So, this case should not be brought into the realm of politics. Because, judging from the reporter, Ubedilah Badrun, a genuine academic, so political nuances were far from his mind when reporting the case," said Jamiluddin.

As an academic, he added, Ubedilah seems far from practical political thinking. He reported the case impressed only to seek justice. Even so, Gibran and Kaesang certainly have the right to report back against the whistleblower for defamation. Because it is the right of every citizen

"However, Gibran and Kaesang should not do that. Just let the legal process run so that the law becomes the commander in chief in our beloved country," said Jamiluddin.

"Gibran and Kaesang will also be an example that the law does not need to rely on force, let alone power. These two sons of President Joko Widodo will be remembered as figures who let the law work according to the corridors of democracy," he continued.

Previously, 98 activist Ubedilah Badrun reported Gibran Rakabuming and Kaesang Pangarep to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The report was based on the alleged relationship between two of President Jokowi's children and a forest burning company.

Ubedillah said the report was based on the findings of a business relationship between the Gibran and Kaesang companies and the company involved in the 2015 forest fire case in Palembang, namely the Sinar Mas Group. According to him, there is an oddity in the business relationship between a company formed by the president's son and the son of a high-ranking company that was caught in a forest fire case.

The company that was formed between Jokowi's son and the son of a senior SMG received funding from a venture company. "The question is is it possible for a new company to receive funds if the company is not owned by the President's son," said Ubedilah.

Therefore, he brought the findings to the KPK on Monday, January 10, 2022. According to him, the report was to enforce the principle of presumption of innocence.