The Ombudsman Considers The KPK Not Cooperative Regarding The Complaints Of Alleged Maladministration Of The Dismissal Of Brigadier General Endar

Ombudsman Member Robert Na Endi Jaweng/DOK IST

The Indonesian Ombudsman assessed that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was uncooperative when asked for information on the alleged maladministration of the removal of Brigadier General Endar Priantoro as Director of Investigation. They even questioned the authority instead of being present when summoned.

Ombudsman member Robert Na Endi Jaweng initially explained that his agency had written to the KPK on May 11. At that time, KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri was asked to come for questioning.

"Then the KPK answered through a letter dated May 17, 2023, which essentially conveyed that the KPK leadership really appreciates the duties and functions of the Ombudsman in supervising public services, and then conveying the second point at this time we are still studying and reviewing the request," said Robert at the Ombudsman office, South Jakarta, Tuesday, May 30.

The request was then complied with by the Ombudsman, said Robert. They then summoned the Secretary General of the KPK Cahya H. Harefa who was also reported.

"Instead of getting answers and coming to the Ombudsman, on May 22, we received a letter which contained no clarification on the questions we submitted, but related to a number of things that made us at the Ombudsman this was surprising," he said.

This surprise arose because the letter actually questioned the authority of the Ombudsman. "Things related to the opinion of the KPK on the Ombudsman and on the existing problems, and we have not asked about that," explained Robert.

Robert regretted the anti-corruption commission's answer. According to him, the Ombudsman had actually given the KPK time to clarify the incoming report but that opportunity was not used.

"This is the same as the person concerned questioning the president and the DPR who formed the Ombudsman Law. We work not because of our own will, but because of the mandate of the state, there is an order from the law prepared by the president and the DPR," he said.

"So questioning authority like this is the same as questioning the mandate of the state, and this is something very serious. As an institution, this country is very, very serious," continued Robert.

Previously, Endar officially reported the leadership, Secretary General, and Head of the KPK HR Bureau to the Ombudsman. He suspects that maladministration occurred when he was dismissed as Director of Investigation of the KPK.

In addition, he reported KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri and KPK Secretary General Cahya H. Harefa to the KPK Supervisory Board. Then, Endar also reported other alleged violations such as leaking documents for investigating alleged corruption at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to forcing the manufacture of documents even though the title of the case or exposure had not been carried out.

Endar was honorably dismissed from the position of Director of Investigation on March 31 after he was returned to the National Police. However, the Bhayangkara Corps member was instead asked to return to the KPK according to the order of the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.