Different Attitudes With Alexander Marwata, Ghufron Apologizes After Firli Becomes A Suspect Of SYL Extortion

KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri/DOK Public Relations KPK

Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Nurul Ghufron apologized to the public for the noise after KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri became a suspect in the alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities from former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo.

This attitude is different from the Deputy Chairperson of the KPK, Alexander Marwata, who in a high tone expressed his shame and did not regret the incident.

"As one of the leaders, I am responsible and therefore apologize to the entire Indonesian nation for this incident which has caused a commotion and almost eroded the expectations of the KPK to become a guard to eradicate corruption," Ghufron told reporters in a written statement, Friday, November 24.

Ghufron agrees that Firli's determination as a suspect can be used as an evaluation material. "We are committed to making improvements and openly accepting suggestions from the public for future improvements," he said.

"KPK hopes that the community will continue to support constructively or if it is true, please support it, if it is wrong, please be criticized for the good of the KPK in the struggle to eradicate corruption," continued Ghufron.

Previously, Alexander Marwata asked all parties to hold the presumption of innocence in response to the appointment of KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri as a suspect. He also personally refused to apologize because his colleague was deemed not guilty in the alleged extortion and acceptance of the gratuities.

"Are we ashamed? I personally, no. Why? This has not been proven. It has not been proven," Alexander said in a high and pressing tone at a press conference at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Thursday, November 23.

Alexander reminded the public that they must have a basis for assessing a case. For example, in the case of Deputy Chairperson of the KPK Johanis Tanak who was found innocent, the KPK Supervisory Board even though he was related to the Acting Director General of Mineral and Coal of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Idris Froyoto Sihite.

Likewise with the case that ensnared Firli. "The case of Mr. Tanak in Dewas is declared unproven, that must be held. The public considers it," he said.

"Well, what is the basis of society? That's right. Determination of suspects, okay. But again, this is only the initial stage. Later there will still be a stage of determination and proof at trial. That's what my friends have to monitor, monitor, follow how this process runs at the Regional Police," continued Alexander.