The 'Ready To Play' Code Clarified By Wahyu Setiawan

Former commissioner of the General Election Commission (KPU) Wahyu Setiawan (Wardany Tsa Tsia / VOI)

JAKARTA - The former commissioner of the General Election Commission (KPU) Wahyu Setiawan explained the meaning of the sentence 'Ready to Play' which he uttered in a case in a bribery case related to the interim replacement (PAW) of members of the DPR RI for the 2019-2024 period.

This explanation was conveyed by Wahyu during a code of ethics trial held by the Election Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP). He said the sentence was intended for the PDI Perjuangan to immediately submit a replacement letter to the KPU.

"When Mrs. Tio, a PDIP envoy, gave information that she would provide a replacement letter. I answered that I was ready to play, I mean that the letter was delivered to the KPU," Wahyu said during the hearing, at the KPK Building, Kuningan Persada, Kuningan, South Jakarta, Wednesday, January 15.

He denied the 'Ready to Play' statement as code for requesting a bribe. Because, according to Wahyu, every time he communicates, he always uses the term 'Ready'.

"It is necessary to know that almost always those who communicate with me, I say that I am ready. Maybe it is to blame but I do not mean it," he said, adding that he himself realized that the statement could be misinterpreted by others.

Not satisfied with Wahyu's explanation, DKPP panel member Alfitra Salam then again questioned the statement. "So ready to play for disposition instead of money?" asked him.

"Nothing. Sent the meaning," said Wahyu, answering Alfitra.

Alfitra, who listened to Wahyu's explanation, then reminded that in the future the former KPU commissioner could maintain the sentence he was going to pronounce. "That's why you have to be able to choose your words," he said.

It is known that in the bribery case, Wahyu did say 'Ready to Play' when asked to help pass Harun Masiku to replace Riezky Aprilia, who is a member of the Indonesian Parliament from the PDIP faction.

Riezky was elected as a member of the Indonesian Parliament for the 2019-2024 period after replacing Nazarudin Kiemas, who died. To expedite the replacement process, Wahyu asked for operational funds of Rp900 million. Money was given in stages twice.

Returning to the matter of Wahyu Setiawan's bribery case, in that trial, he also admitted that he had difficulties and was urged to avoid meetings with a number of parties who eventually became suspects, namely Saeful and Agustiani Tio Fridelina.

This difficulty was caused because he was friends with all of them, including Doni, who was said to be an advocate appointed by the top DPP PDIP leaders. "I am in a difficult position because of the people, there are Mbak Tio, Mas Saeful, and Mas Doni who are my good friends," said Wahyu.

Previously it was reported, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) allowed former General Election Commission (KPU) Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan to be examined by the Honorary Council of General Election Organizers (DKPP) regarding alleged violations of the election organizers' code of ethics.

The results of the meeting will then be announced and the seven DKPP leaders can immediately make a decision regarding the case and will be announced on Thursday, January 16 at the DKPP Office.