Police Decision Regarding 57 Ex-KPK Employees Behind All Controversy

Novel Baswedan and his wife and colleagues (Wardhany Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - The National Police stated that the decision to recruit 57 former KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) employees who did not pass the National Insight Test (TWK) as State Civil Apparatus (ASN) of the Bhayangkara Corps was unanimous. Although, it is undeniable that many issues and controversies have developed regarding recruitment.

Trap Issue

One of the growing issues regarding recruitment is the trap. This means that the offer made by the Police is only to keep them quiet and not demand other things.

However, the Head of the National Police Public Relations Division, Inspector General Argo Yuwono, vehemently denied this. The offer to join the National Police ASN was only to give hope to the dozens of former KPK employees.

"There is no such thing as a trap for the police. If you look at it when the National Police Chief delivers a press conference regarding KPK friends with a fresh expression, which then becomes serious and of course it is clear that the National Police Chief has given them hope", said Argo, Friday, October 1st.

In addition, Argo also emphasized another reason for this recruitment effort to strengthen the Polri institution in terms of taking action against corruption. It is hoped that the eradication of corruption will always be maximized.

"So this is not a trap, the Police do not have a trap. But this is a need of the Police organization that we must take advantage of, from our friends, KPK employees. So this is the intention", said Argo.

Moreover, the former KPK employees, said Argo, have good skills and track records. They are expected to again help to create a corruption-free country.

"The point is that the police are serious because, with the need for organization and a good track record, the police need something like this", said Argo.

Branded Red

Not only that, but the National Police also emphasized that they would not have polemics about the controversy over the 57 former KPK employees who were labeled 'red' or the Taliban because they could not be fostered.

Karo Penmas Police Public Relations Division Brigadier, General Rusdi Hartono, said they still have hope. Moreover, they also have the ability to eradicate corruption.

"Of course we are wiser to look ahead, we all still have a future, hope, of course, this future we both filled with good things", said Rusdi.

The National Police, on the orders of the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, continued, Rusdi will open the door as wide as possible for them if they want to join the Bhayangkara Corps. Their presence is considered to be able to assist the tasks of the Police.

"The Indonesian National Police has invited us to open the door as wide as possible to our fellow former KPK employees so that we can devote ourselves to the National Police together and to devote ourselves to the country we both love", said Rusdi.

However, Rusdi did not specify the extent of the recruitment process. He only emphasized that the Police HR Assistant would coordinate with the Ministry of Administrative Reform and Bureaucratic Reform (KemenPAN-RB) and the National Civil Service Agency (BKN).

"What is clear is that HR Assistant was ordered by the National Police Chief to communicate and coordinate with related ministries or institutions. The order was like that", said Rusdi.

On the other hand, 57 former KPK employees stated that they were still waiting for an explanation, especially from the Bhayangkara Corps regarding Listyo's desire to recruit.

Former Director of Socialization and Anti-Corruption Campaign of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Giri Suprapdiono, said dozens of KPK employees were still exchanging opinions with Komnas HAM, the Indonesian Ombudsman, and the Anti-Corruption Civil Society Coalition before making a final decision.

"Our stance is still waiting for clarity. Everything is still in progress", Giri said briefly.