The KPK Regarding Uncle Birin Hasn't Entered The DPO: There's A Time, The Search Is Still Being Carried Out

KPK building. (ANTARA-Shutterstock)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has not included Sahbirin Noor or Uncle Birin on the wanted list (DPO). They are still focused on conducting domestic searches.

"So far, we are sure that the person concerned is still in Indonesia because we have (asked, ed) to take precautions. (The Directorate General of Immigration, ed) has issued prevention. Well, we will look for it too," said KPK Investigation Director Asep Guntur Rahayu to reporters quoted on Thursday, November 7th.

Asep said investigators had made plans, including looking for Uncle Birin. So, about Uncle Birin's entry into the DPO, it's just a matter of time.

"So we have the terms. The deadline is that we are looking for it. Then after a certain time we are looking for it, we think maybe this can go anywhere, abroad or where we are going, we will make the next effort," he said.

Even so, Asep did not openly explain the term of time. He said, this matter should not be conveyed because it is technical.

"I am also afraid that this, what is it called, disrupts the investigation process that we are carrying out. So I can't tell you yet. If I tell you, the person will anticipate it," said Asep.

Even so, Asep said that what investigators are currently doing must be in accordance with the standards. Like when looking for his fugitive, Harun Masiku, who was the briber of former General Elections Commission (KPU) Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan.

"It's understandable or not. So like this, like HM, we look for HM first. Only what we are trying to do is abroad, we go to Interpol. Then from Interpol we issue red notices and others," he explained.

"So the process is like that. Well, for the deadline, I can't say it's here. Later, if I say it's here, it will interfere with the investigation process," continued Asep.

Previously reported, the Governor of South Kalimantan, Sahbirin Noor or Uncle Birin, was unknown after being named a suspect in alleged bribery. This determination was made after the KPK conducted a hand arrest operation (OTT) on Sunday, October 6.

"Until now, the respondent is still searching for the whereabouts of the applicant," said KPK Legal Bureau Team Niar Siregar when responding to Uncle Birin's pretrial lawsuit at the South Jakarta District Court (PN), Tuesday, November 5.

"The Respondent has issued the Order (Sprinkap) 06 and the KPK Leadership Decision Letter regarding the prohibition of traveling abroad but the whereabouts of the applicant are not yet known and are still being searched," he continued.

This reason makes the anti-corruption commission feel there is no need to examine Uncle Birin before determining his legal status. "The determination of the suspect against the applicant is carried out in a absentia," he said.

Even so, Niar said, the determination of the suspect was not carried out without reason. "The Respondent conducted an examination of a number of people whose statements were continuous with evidence obtained by the applicant which further strengthened the involvement and role of the applicant in the alleged corruption crime a quo," he said.