ICW Asks KPK To Be Objective In Handling IPW Reports Regarding Alleged Gratification Of Deputy Minister Of Law And Human Rights

ICW (Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) has asked the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to objectively handle gratification reports that allegedly involve Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej. They were asked not to hesitate to follow up on the Indonesia Police Watch (IPW) report. "ICW urges the KPK to act objectively in handling this case," said ICW researcher Kurnia Ramadhana in a written statement, Monday, March 27. Kurnia said investigations from incoming reports must be carried out. The anti-corruption commission is expected not to hesitate to raise the allegation to an investigation if sufficient preliminary evidence is found. Not only that, the KPK Supervisory Board (Dewas) was also asked to participate in monitoring the handling of the report. Kurnia said this step was important to prevent intervention. "As a control function, the KPK Supervisory Board must seriously observe the handling of this case," said the anti-corruption activist. "This is important so that the legal process runs without interference from any party," continued Kurnia. As previously reported, the Chairman of IPW reported the Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights to the KPK on suspicion of gratification worth IDR 7 billion. This acceptance is allegedly related to consultation and assistance for the ratification of a company's legal entity. Furthermore, Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej came to the anti-corruption commission to clarify. He even said this report led to slander. "On our own initiative, we are clarifying the KPK for IPW complaints that tend to lead to slander," Edward told reporters at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Monday, March 20. Edward stated that there was a number of evidence submitted in the process of clarifying the report. However, he did not want to explain because everything had been submitted to the anti-corruption commission. Even so, Edward stated that he would not report the IPW. There are three reasons that have been conveyed, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) do have the aim of conducting surveillance. "IPW is an NGO, an NGO whose job is a watchdog, yes, please talk about it because it is his job to do social control," he said. In addition, if an official is complained about because of certain allegations, what he must do is clarify, not make a report to the police. "Thirdly, if I report, that means I am included in the criminal justice system," explained Edward. "The criminal justice system is wherever the battle model is, the model is at war. If we go to war, we have to find a balanced opponent," he concluded.