MAKI Asks Harun Masiku To Be Tried In Absentia Because He Hasn't Been Caught

KPK Building/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) has sent a letter containing an application to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) so that Harun Masiku can be tried in absentia or without the presence of the suspect.

MAKI Coordinator Boyamin Saiman said this application was sent because the alleged briber, former General Elections Commission (KPU) Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan, had not been caught. Even though he has been on the run since 2020.

"MAKI has submitted a request for a trial process in absentia for Harun Masiku, which of course will be preceded by a process of investigation and prosecution by the KPK," said Boyamin in his written statement to reporters quoted on Wednesday, May 25.

Meanwhile, when confirmed regarding the request, KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri still believed that Harun Masiku would soon be caught.

He ensured that the investigation into the alleged interim replacement bribery (PAW) would be completed so that the suspect could be presented in court.

"I think a lot has been conveyed, I say once again that as long as there is sufficient evidence and there is a file, we will definitely finish it. The DPO is not just Harun Masiku, yes. So, I think it is our homework to complete," said Firli as quoted from the KPK RI YouTube.

"The important thing is there is evidence, there is a file," he said.

As previously reported, the KPK has named Harun Masiku as a suspect in giving bribes to KPU Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan since January 2020. This bribery was carried out so that he could easily sit as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives through interim shifts or PAW.

Harun's escape began when the KPK carried out an arrest operation regarding this case on January 8, 2020. In the silent operation, the KPK named four suspects, namely Harun Masiku, Wahyu Setiawan, former Bawaslu Member Agustiani Tio Fridelina, and Saeful Bahri.

However, Harun, who was not caught by OTT, is unknown. He reportedly fled to Singapore and is said to have returned to Indonesia.

Apart from Harun, there are actually three other fugitives who have not been caught. They are Surya Darmadi who has been on the run since 2019; Izil Azhar has been fugitive since 2018; and Kirana Kotama who has been fugitive since 2017.