Eddy Hiariej Enters The Prabowo Cabinet Member Exchange, This Is The KPK's Response

KPK Spokesperson Tessa Mahardika/DOK PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) believes that Prabowo Subianto as the elected president will choose the best person to fill the cabinet for the 2024-2029 period. Of course there are considerations, including a person's legal status.

This was conveyed by KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika when asked about the presence of Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej alias Eddy Hiariej at Prabowo's house, Jalan Kertanegara, Jakarta, Tuesday, October 15.

The former Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights is known to have served as a suspect even though the South Jakarta District Court (PN) was eventually dismissed.

"That when the elected president called it, of course it had been done with various considerations. Including legal considerations," Tessa told reporters at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Tuesday, October 15.

"I think it is impossible for him to arbitrarily choose his assistant," he continued.

Meanwhile, when asked about the case that ensnared Eddy, Tessa did not want to answer further. He said he still needed to check before submitting the statement.

"Whether there is a continuation of the case or not. Of course, it needs to be submitted and asked whether it is the investigator or the party who knows, yes," he said.

As previously reported, former Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Edward Sharif Omar Hiariej or Eddy Hiariej along with two of his subordinates were named suspects by the KPK for alleged bribery and gratification. He is suspected of receiving money from Helmut Hermawan, who is the boss of PT Citra Lampia Mandiri (CLM) of up to Rp. 8 billion.

Helmut was allegedly given for administrative management at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and the promise of giving SP3 cases at Bareskrim. The money received was then used for Eddy's needs, one of which was to run as chairman of the Central Management (PP) of the Indonesian Tennis Association (PELTI).

After being named a suspect, Edward filed a pretrial lawsuit at the South Jakarta District Court (PN). He then won against the anti-corruption commission so that his legal status was revoked.