KPK Leaders Apologize, His Men Call Singapore the Paradise of Corruptors

KPK Building (Irfan Meidianto/VOI)

JAKARTA - Vice Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Nawawi Pomolango apologized for the remarks made by his men to offend the Singapore government. This happened, after the Deputy Of Crackdown and Execution of the KPK called Singapore a 'corruptor's paradise' some time ago.

"If there is a statement on behalf of the institution that causes inconvenience, of course, we apologize for the inconvenience caused by the statement", Nawawi told reporters quoted Monday, April 12.

He also ensured that KPK is committed to continuing to cooperate with the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in the implementation of corruption eradication tasks and functions. "Both in terms of prevention, education, and in the field of oppression", he said.

Besides, Nawawi also confirmed that so far CPIB has helped KPK a lot. "Similarly, in terms of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) such as the handling of the case Innospec, Garuda Indonesia, and even e-KTP", he said.

Previously reported, Deputy Of Crackdown and Execution KPK Karyoto declared the lion's country to be a corruptor's paradise. This was conveyed by Karyoto on Tuesday, April 6.

This statement came out after Firli Bahuri's men were mentioned as the suspect in the case of e-KTP mega corruption Paulus Tanos, who was in Singapore. According to him, Singapore does not want an extradition treaty related to corruption cases and this is what makes the KPK hassled.

"Look, if the name of the search and then he is abroad let alone in Singapore, in a relationship between countries is indeed in Singapore if the person who has been able to permanent residence and others is a bit troubled even though he has been assigned (as red) suspect", he said at the time to the media crew.

"And we know that the only country that doesn't sign extradition related to corruption in Singapore, it's a corrupt paradise, the closest is Singapore", Karyoto added.

This was then answered by the Singapore government who judged Karyoto's statement unfounded. Moreover, during this time the Lion Country often provides assistance to Indonesia in terms of handling corruption crimes.

"There's no basis for such allegations. Singapore has assisted in Indonesia in several previous and ongoing investigations", it was quoted as saying in a written statement uploaded to the Official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

The lion country even raised the assistance provided by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) or Singapore's anti-corruption commission against the KPK. Including, providing information about the whereabouts of Indonesians to facilitate KPK visits to interview people related to certain corruption cases.

Not only that, but Singapore also alluded to the extradition treaty and defense cooperation agreement as a package in April 2007. At that time, the signing of the agreement was witnessed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and PM Lee Hsien Loong although both agreements are still awaiting ratification by the DPR.

"Singapore has provided and will continue to provide the necessary assistance to Indonesia if Singapore receives requests with the necessary information through the appropriate official channels. Singapore and Indonesia are parties to the treaty on mutual legal assistance (MLA) in criminal matters among ASEAN member states, where cooperation has been conducted in line with Singapore's domestic law and international obligations", said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore.

Not only that, but Singapore also ensures a strong commitment to legal supremacy and good governance. "We will cooperate in law enforcement with Indonesia by our domestic laws and international obligations. It does not help to distract or blame foreign jurisdictions", they said.