Iskandar Sitorus Questions the Narrative of Obstruction of Investigation After Undergoing an Examination at the KPK

DOK BETWEEN

JAKARTA - Secretary and founder of Indonesian Audit Watch (IAW) Iskandar HP Sitorus questioned the development of the narrative of alleged obstruction of investigation or obstruction of justice in the import corruption case in the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) after he was examined as a witness by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

He said the public needed a clearer explanation regarding the development of the alleged obstruction of the investigation which was later linked to the Customs case. Because, there are a number of different events but are perceived as a series of events.

Iskandar Sitorus was examined as a witness at the Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta on Friday, June 12.

"The public has the right to know clearly which cases are still at the stage of deepening information and which have entered the alleged obstruction of justice. Don't let two different clusters mix into one narrative that creates misinterpretation," said Iskandar in a written statement, Monday, June 15.

Iskandar stated that he had provided all the information he knew about his capacity as a non-litigation power of attorney from the owner of PT Blueray Cargo, John Field.

This power, continued Iskandar, has nothing to do with criminal defense but concerns the improvement of the company's administration, industrial relations, the settlement of customer complaints, and the handling of various operational issues after the KPK's hand-to-hand operation.

"I am here to meet the KPK's call as a witness, provide testimony in public, explain my capacity as a non-litigation power holder, and express my willingness to submit additional data if necessary," he said.

"However, because these two clusters are often mixed, my name is dragged into speculation about obstruction of the investigation," he continued.

In addition, Iskandar said he had been cooperative with the investigation process. "I have not found any sprindik or designation in my name," he said.

Iskandar also highlighted the emergence of perceptions that associate non-litigation professional activities with alleged obstruction of investigations. In fact, companies that are facing legal problems still need consultants, auditors, and industrial relations advisors to handle the operational impacts that arise.

According to him, public confusion arose because there were a number of KPK announcements related to alleged external parties who claimed to be able to regulate import cases and the latest deepening related to the alleged collection of data and information allegedly related to efforts to hinder investigations.

"What the KPK said at that time was that there was an allegation that external parties were selling influence. That is different from obstruction of justice which has its own legal elements," he said.

"Whether it helps to save company administrative data, handle mass layoffs, or facilitate the surrender of someone to law enforcement officers can be called an obstacle to the investigation? The facts that happened are exactly the opposite," said Iskandar.

Moreover, Iskandar assessed that he was involved in the surrender of PT Blueray Cargo boss John Field to the KPK after the hand-in-hand operation (OTT). The trial against the businessman is still ongoing.

"Article 21 of the Corruption Law requires intention, active obstruction, and real consequences in the form of obstruction of the legal process. All three elements must be proven. It cannot be based on assumptions or perceptions," he said.

Therefore, Iskandar hopes that the KPK can provide more detailed explanations regarding the development of cases related to alleged obstruction of investigations so as not to create speculation in the public space.

"Justice does not come from noise. Justice comes from the ability to distinguish between what has been proven, what is still a suspicion, and what is just speculation," concluded Iskandar.