Cases Of Extortion Rise, Legislators In DPR Encourage KPK-Polri To Focus On Fixing Internal Supervision

Illustration of illegal levies or extortion. (Between)

JAKARTA - Commission III of the DPR RI encourages the leadership of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the National Police to evaluate internal supervision following cases of illegal levies (extortion) and fraud by internal elements. Member of Commission III of the DPR RI Didik Mukrianto said the KPK leadership must take firm action against its members who are involved in extortion practices in the KPK detention center (Rutan). "It's quite surprising and very concerning. It's difficult to explain with healthy logic, if the KPK is tasked with eradicating corruption, it turns out that irregular acts have been found, illegal levies made by its employees," said Didik as quoted by Antara, Thursday, June 22. The KPK Supervisory Board (Dewas) found allegations of extortion practices in the KPK detention center whose value reached Rp. 4 billion. The extortion is thought to have occurred from December 2021 to March 2022. Even the KPK revealed the practice of extortion in detention centers related to the smuggling of communication and money equipment, which was carried out by detainees by giving some money to unscrupulous employees to find facilities that were prohibited while the suspect was languishing in the detention center. Didik also said that the alleged extortion practice in the KPK detention center was included in the category of petty corruption or small-scale corruption committed by public officials who interact directly with the public. "However, the slightest amount of corruption is still corruption. Even though there is a petty corruption, there should not be the slightest tolerance, especially by law enforcers, especially the KPK and also within the KPK," he said. This incident is considered not only to tarnish the face of the KPK. But it can also potentially produce distrust from the public who have supported the KPK in eradicating corruption. "In order to mitigate the potential for public damage trust to the KPK, the KPK must also be fully transparent to the public in disclosing it. Open and act as clearly as anyone involved, both bribery and bribery," said Didik. In addition, a member of the Commission in the DPR in charge of legal affairs stated that there must be an evaluation and improvement within the KPK. In particular, said Didik, supervision and guidance of internal employees of the anti-corruption agency. "I suspect there are problems in the field of internal supervision and guidance, so that space and opportunities for irregularities are open," he explained. "Because the supervision and development of human resources in this superbody institution is very important and fundamental, because the presence of KPK employees and human resources in carrying out their duties and authorities cannot be replaced by any sophisticated tools," continued Didik. Therefore, the legislator from the East Java IX electoral district asked the KPK leadership to thoroughly investigate allegations of extortion in his employee circle. Even according to Didik, the investigation into alleged extortion practices at the KPK must involve PPATK in order to trace the flow of extortion accounts so that the settlement of cases becomes more comprehensive. "Don't let the public become apathy and no longer believe in the eradication of corruption carried out by the KPK. The stake will be too big for the KPK if it is not handled properly," he said. Apart from the KPK, Didik also highlighted the case of fraud by police officers against a porridge in Cirebon, West Java. The porridge seller reported a police officer with the rank of Adjunct Commissioner of Police (AKP) who promised the victim's child to pass the selection to enter the National Police in exchange for money worth Rp. 310 million. Even though he had deposited the money in the amount requested by the police, the victim's child still did not pass the selection for the acceptance of members of the National Police. The money given by the porridge was also not returned. Didik also asked the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to take firm action against police officers who violate the SOP and commit fraud. "The National Police is also like that, there are unscrupulous members who tarnish their institution's good name. This is a bad portrait of internal supervision of its members by abusing their positions and authority to deceive the public," said Didik. The man who was born in Magetan also reminded the need for extra efforts to improve the discipline of Polri members. That way, according to Didik, members of the National Police can carry out their duties and responsibilities as protectors and protectors of the community properly. "It may also need to consider psychological testing and periodic assessment of performance quality to ensure that each member is racing in good performance and track records," he urged. Didik menilai, ada yang salah terhadap sistem pelaporan di pihak kepolisian karena kasus penipuan terhadap pembuah itu sempat berjalan lewat. Menurutnya, kejadian seperti ini-lah yang kerap membuat masyarakat enggan membuat pengaduan atau laporan karena tidak mendapat tindak lanjut dari aparat kepolisian. "Make sure there are 24-hour emergency call services that are easily accessible to the public and responded to on the same day. This will increase transparency and accountability in Polri policies," said Didik.

Although the fraud incident was finally resolved peacefully and the victim's money was returned, the DPR hopes that the Police will continue the legal process. Didik said that the refund did not erase the mistakes of the police officer. "This is not a matter of the case ending peacefully, but how will the Police take action in enforcing the rules against individuals involved in legal problems," he explained. “ It doesn't mean that if the report is withdrawn, then nullify the perpetrator's mistake. If it is allowed to be released, then it will be a bad precedent for the image of the police. Moreover, the National Police Chief has also stated that he will take firm action against the perpetrators,” concluded Didik.