KPK Ensures OTT Continues Despite Discourse On Elimination By Johanis Tanak

KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika (Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) emphasized that hand arrest operations (OTT) will still be carried out if there is sufficient initial evidence. This was emphasized by the KPK Spokesperson, Tessa Mahardika, in the midst of the discourse on removing OTT which was stated by one of the candidates for the KPK leadership, Johanis Tanak.

"Until now, as the last OTT in South Kalimantan, if there is sufficient preliminary evidence or at least two pieces of evidence, then arrest activities can still be carried out," said Tessa, Thursday, November 21.

Tessa also emphasized that there is no legal basis that prohibits the KPK from implementing OTT. "There is no rule that prohibits it until now," he said.

This statement came after the controversy caused by Johanis Tanak, one of the candidates for the KPK leadership, during a fit and proper test at Commission III of the DPR RI. On that occasion, Johanis expressed his desire to abolish OTT if he was re-elected as the leader of the KPK.

"If I could become chairman, I would close (OTT) because it is not in accordance with the understanding in the Criminal Procedure Code," Johanis said on Tuesday, November 19.

According to Johanis, the term operation' in OTT is not in line with the definition referred to in the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). He compared the term operation' carried out by medical personnel, which is usually planned carefully, with the sense of arrested' in the Criminal Procedure Code, which is spontaneous in nature.

"In the Criminal Procedure Code, being caught red-handed is an incident that occurred instantly, the perpetrator was arrested and became a suspect. Meanwhile, the term operation' has a planned impression. This overlap is not appropriate," he explained.

Despite receiving support from a number of DPR members, Johanis' statement drew criticism from various parties who considered OTT as one of the most effective tools to arrest perpetrators of corruption.

The KPK also ensured that it would not stop OTT as long as the legal mechanism was possible and the evidence needed was fulfilled. This silent operation has become one of the mainstays of the anti-corruption agency in uncovering major corruption cases in Indonesia.

Until now, OTT remains an important instrument in eradicating corruption. As long as there is a clear legal basis, the KPK will continue to implement it," said Tessa.