Observer: Jokowi's desire for the KPK to return to the old law is just a gimmick

Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga (photo: ig @jamiluddinritonga)

JAKARTA - Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga, assessed that the desire of the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, for the Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) Law to be returned to the old law was just a gimmick. Moreover, corruption enforcement during his administration was the lowest.

"Jokowi through the KPK issue back to the old law seems to want to restore his reputation which is getting lower. At least Jokowi's reputation in handling corruption, is considered low while being president," said Jamiluddin in Jakarta, Tuesday, February 17.

"Through this issue, Jokowi also wants to cleanse himself not as an actor who weakens the KPK," he continued.

For this reason, said Jamiluddin, Jokowi tried to give an alibi that the initiative to change the KPK Law was not from him but by cornering the DPR RI.

"In fact, it is difficult to imagine that changes to the KPK Law can be made briefly without the president's 'blessing'. This convinces the nation, the Palace is tacitly 'approving' the change to the KPK Law in the DPR RI," he said.

According to Jamiluddin, this is also seen by the absence of a Perppu from President Jokowi on the change to the KPK Law. In fact, the public's insistence and rejection is so strong against the change to the KPK Law. Therefore, Jamiluddin said, it is difficult to understand if Jokowi is now turning his back by supporting the KPK Law back to the old law.

"Jokowi did this apparently only for political considerations to boost his reputation," he said.

So, added Jamiluddin, Jokowi is trying to use the issue to impress himself as an anti-corruption figure. For this reason, the KPK must be strong by returning to the old law.

"Jokowi's rhetoric is a gimmick. Therefore, the public does not need to believe, let alone support Jokowi's attitude. Let Jokowi babble, the caravan will still pass," he concluded.

Jamiluddin Ritonga, political observer from Esa Unggu University, Jakarta. (IG @hamiluddinrintonga)

Previously, the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia Jokowi approved the proposal of former KPK Chairman Abraham Samad to return the KPK Law to the old version. Jokowi also alluded to the fact that the KPK Law version was the result of the DPR's initiative.

"Yes, I agree, it's good (the KPK Law back to the old version), because it was the DPR's initiative, you know. Don't get it wrong, it's the DPR's initiative," said Jokowi in Solo, Friday, December 13.

Jokowi admitted that the KPK Law was revised while he was president on the initiative of the DPR. However, he admitted that he did not sign the revised law. "Yes, it is (revision of the KPK Law). At that time, it was revised at the initiative of the DPR, but I did not sign," he said.