SETARA Urges Attorney General’s Office Not to Be Defensive Over Corruption Allegations

The Attorney General's Office building in Jakarta (VOI)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the National SETARA Council, Hendardi, asked the Attorney General's Office not to be defensive in responding to the development of the investigation into the alleged corruption that is said to have dragged a high-ranking official in the institution's environment. According to him, the appeal for the public not to build an opinion has the potential to harass people's common sense and undermine trust in law enforcement.

Hendardi assessed that the development of the investigation conducted by the joint team of the National Police's Corruption Eradication Task Force (Kortastipidkor) and the Metro Jaya Police had entered an important phase for the credibility of law enforcement in Indonesia.

He alluded to a series of developments in the case, ranging from searches, the discovery of large amounts of foreign currency and precious metals, to alleged interference by other parties in the investigation process.

"In a situation like this, the Attorney General's Office should show commitment to transparency and accountability, not take a defensive position that could erode public confidence," Hendardi said in a written statement, Friday, July 10.

According to Hendardi, the Attorney General's Office should not hide behind the presumption of innocence to avoid accountability to the public. He emphasized that the principle is a protection of a person's rights in the judicial process, not an excuse for the state institution to reject criticism or public supervision.

"In fact, in cases involving high-ranking law enforcement officials, the standard of accountability must be higher because it concerns the integrity of the law enforcement agency itself," he said.

Hendardi also criticized the statement asking the public not to form an opinion regarding the case. According to him, in a democratic state the public has a constitutional right to oversee the course of the law enforcement process, especially when facts arise that arouse public attention.

He assessed that the existence of assets in the form of foreign currencies and precious metals in large quantities was a natural fact that raised questions about their origin. Therefore, according to him, the steps that should be taken are to provide an explanation openly, not to ask the public to stop criticizing.

"Instead of asking the public to stop giving opinions, the Attorney General's Office should explain openly and support the disclosure of the case until it is completed so that public confidence in the institution can be restored," he said.

In addition, Hendardi also highlighted the alleged involvement of TNI personnel in the process which was said to be related to the investigation of the case. According to him, if the allegation is true, the problem is not just inter-institutional relations, but concerns allegations of intervention in the law enforcement process.

He asked President Prabowo Subianto to order a thorough investigation into the allegations and ensure that each institution carries out its duties in accordance with the authorities set out in laws and regulations.

"The state must not allow law enforcement institutions to protect each other, especially if there is an allegation of using state power to hinder the law enforcement process. What is needed today is not an appeal for the public to be silent, but the courage to reveal all the facts transparently according to the applicable legal process," said Hendardi.

According to Hendardi, resolving cases openly and professionally is the key to maintaining public confidence in law enforcement institutions and strengthening the commitment to eradicating corruption in Indonesia.