Jokowi Asked For Hard Warning Luhut Who Said OTT Made The Country's Image Happy

Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) was asked to reprimand Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan after talking about hand arrest operations (OTT) to create a bad image of the country in the eyes of the international community. He is considered to be interfering in the affairs of law enforcement officials.

"We recommend to President Joko Widodo to reprimand Luhut and ask him to no longer interfere in law enforcement matters," said Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Kurnia Ramadhana to reporters, Wednesday, December 21.

Kurnia reminded that the silent operation that is often carried out by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is the action that law enforcement officers must take. No branch of power should flick this step for various reasons.

Luhut's statement also raised questions for Kurnia. Moreover, the silent operations carried out by the KPK often ensnare state officials ranging from executive, legislative, to judicial.

"Is Luhut Binsar not happy if the KPK, which is the representation of the state, eradicates corruption," he said.

"To be honest, it is difficult for us to understand Luhut's logic of thinking. In ICW's view, when law enforcement is enforced, especially the eradication of corruption is maximally carried out, Indonesia's image will automatically improve and be followed by appreciation from the world," continued the anti-corruption activist.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan previously reminded the KPK not to take action often and take maximum precautions. This was conveyed in front of the Chairman of the KPK, Firli Bahuri.

"We just want to clean up really in heaven. So the KPK shouldn't catch a little bit. That's not good either, yes, look around," Luhut said in his speech at the Launch of Corruption Prevention Action 2023-2024 in the Central Jakarta area, Tuesday, December 20.

Not only that, Luhut also considers that the hand-catching operation (OTT) that is often carried out by the anti-corruption commission also has a bad impact. So, he said, all procurement should be digitized so that corruption prevention can be carried out.

"OTT, OTT is actually a good end for this country, it's really bad, that's it. But if digitalizes who wants to fight us," he said.