Novel Baswedan Highlights Alexander Marwata-Eko Darmanto Meeting: If You Report Corruption, You Should Assign The Director

Deputy Chairperson Of The KPK Alexander Marwata/DOK PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - Former investigator of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Novel Baswedan highlighted the meeting of Deputy Chairperson of the KPK Alexander Marwata and former Head of Yogyakarta Customs Eko Darmanto who are now being investigated by the Polda Metro Jaya. The meeting was filed to submit a report on allegations of corruption which was deemed not in accordance with standard procedures.

"If it is true that Eko Darmanto wants to report a criminal act of corruption, it should be difficult for Alexander Marwata to assign the Director of Dumas and his staff to process the report," Novel told reporters in a written statement quoted on Friday, October 11.

"Not then the person concerned met himself several times," he continued.

Novel assessed that Alexander should not give Eko different treatment, such as meeting in the office. Because, things like this can potentially be misused for certain purposes and this is a criminal offense.

Moreover, if the meeting is held when the anti-corruption commission investigates allegations of gratification that recently ensnared Eko. "If you have a relationship, in this case meeting in the office is a serious problem and becomes a criminal offense for the leadership and personnel of the KPK," he said.

Furthermore, the truth of Alexander's statement should also be proven by showing a letter of assignment. Because, Novel continued, the former judge admitted to meeting Eko with the approval of other leaders.

"Of course Alexander Marwata just need to show proof that what he did was in the context of being tasked with the knowledge of other leaders. Otherwise, what Alexander Marwata did was a criminal act," said Novel.

Previously reported, Deputy Chairman of the KPK Alexander Marwata was policed regarding his alleged meeting with the former Head of Yogyakarta Customs, Eko Darmanto. Polda Metro Jaya even called him for questioning on Friday, October 11 even though it was canceled because there had been a scheduled official trip.

Meanwhile, Alexander Marwata said his meeting with Eko Darmanto in early 2023 did not discuss a gratification case that started with the public spotlight. The former Head of Customs and Excise actually reported allegations of corruption.

"The person concerned when he wanted to meet me acted as a reporter for the alleged corruption case that occurred in the agency he was working for," Alexander said when confirmed by reporters quoted on Thursday, October 10.

Alexander ensured that the meeting did not discuss Eko's case at the KPK. "And the meeting was with the knowledge of the other leadership and I was accompanied by two staff," he said.

"So where is the problem," continued Alexander.