Black Spot on Semar Path

Photo Illustration By Andry Winarko (VOI)

JAKARTA - The seriousness of law enforcement officers in uncovering corruption cases and underground economic businesses such as online gambling and drugs could be 'erased' if several presidential aides involved in the cases are not cleaned up.

The track records of several aides to President Prabowo Subianto have been recorded as having been dragged into legal cases, either as witnesses or reported. Based on VOI records, there is Omar Sharif Hiariej alias Eddy Hiariej. Eddy, who is now the Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights, was once named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in 2023 on suspicion of bribery and gratification. Although in early 2024, the South Jakarta District Court declared him free from suspect status.

In addition to several figures suspected of being involved in the vortex of legal cases, there are also figures who have ethical records in their work. Deputy Minister of Finance, Anggito Abimayu, for example, who once resigned from his position as a lecturer at UGM because he was accused of plagiarizing an opinion article. Anggito has also admitted that there was an error in citing references on the computer he used to write the article. This case was a hot topic in 2014.

In addition to Anggito, there is also the name of the versatile actress, Raffi Ahmad, who has recently been in the spotlight because she has just received an honorary doctorate or honoris causa from the Universal Institute of Professional Management (UIPM). Later, it was revealed that this campus is fake and is not registered with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology.

Based on ICW's investigation, there are a number of cabinet members with a track record of being investigated, and even mentioned as receiving corruption money in the trial facts. The black spots that are like black spots on the faces of President Prabowo Subianto's aides need to be cleaned up immediately to achieve the common goal of Indonesia Emas 2045.

Constitutional law expert from Gadjah Mada University Herlambang P Wiratraman said that the selection of people who are involved and strongly suspected of having a track record of corruption should not be included in President Prabowo Subianto's choices. The reason is, the commitment outlined in the President's state speech can be weakened by his own insiders who are now serving as his aides.

Herlambang emphasized that the principle of ethics in government is something that public officials should have. Meanwhile, figures who have violated the propriety of professional ethics should not enter as public officials. Ethics reflect the competence and behavior of a person

"For example, if they have been involved in plagiarism to the point of resigning from campus, it is clear that they have a problematic track record. Or they are involved in the manipulation of professors or predatory scientific works," Herlambang explained to VOI, Monday, October 4.

Photo Illustration of Prabowo's cabinet (Andri Winarko VOI)

Researcher from the Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem), Annisa Alfath, views the existence of problematic names in the ranks of Prabowo's cabinet candidates as indicating that ethical standards and clean track records are not a top priority in the election. This will create the impression that the nomination is based on political considerations rather than integrity.

"This has the potential to reduce public trust and erode the government's legitimacy if these figures are involved in scandals in the future," said Annisa.

Prabowo Subianto's Semar Path

The General Chairperson of the Nusantara Awakening Party, Anas Urbaningrum, also spoke out against the election of assistants who are members of the Red and White cabinet. The former General Chairperson of the Democratic Party said that a leader who is willing to be guided by Semar (and authentic Punakawan) will be upright in the goals of the state and loyal to the line of defending the interests of the people. Anas emphasized that if this path is taken, the legacy will be remembered throughout history.

"President Prabowo must know very well the importance of avoiding the whispers of Sengkuni. The politics of Sengkuni are not only misleading, but also dangerous. Don't forget, the Dursasana and Citraksa-Citraksi models also often find a way to enter the circle of whispers and palace styles. Oh yes, it is also important to avoid the whispers of the Togog. Let Togog remain in his conventional territory, becoming a guide for the giants," said Anas.

Anas Urbaningrum added that President Prabowo Subianto's patience and loyalty in building the nation is the path of Semar that he has taken and has given hope to all Indonesian people.

Father of Development Economics Soemitro Djojohadikoesoemo

"Being loyal and patient in the guidance of the "Semar Path" is a good and right choice. We all believe and fully support President Prabowo to always be Eling lan Waspodo and patient in following the "Semar Path", and not giving space to the Sengkuni, Togog, Dursasana, Citraksa-Citraksi and the like," he said.

The Semar path taken by Prabowo Subianto has been spoken by his father, Soemitro Djojohadikoesoemo. He said Prabowo must be more steadfast and stronger. And this is not a matter of how he was beaten but how he could survive. "I am very proud of Prabowo who is currently steadfast," said Sumitro in Soemitro Djojohadikoesoemo's biography entitled Jejak Perlawanan Begawan Pejuang.

Soemitro also said that he really appreciates and respects his son's attitude who dares to take responsibility if there is a mistake in his duties. He added that in any darkness there will definitely be new people who will help as long as everything must be passed with patience.

"Never feel sorry for yourself, don't be vengeful, this is your own life, so face it," Soemitro said in his book.

President Asks for All Laws to be Reviewed

President Prabowo Subianto is a well-trained figure who always maintains politeness. His sensitivity in reading situations is not in doubt. Therefore, the former Kopassus commander asked his assistant, Minister of Law (Menkum) Supratman Andi Agtas to review all laws and ministerial regulations.

This is the basis for Supratman to firmly convey it during the first session with Commission XIII, which is also a new commission at the Senayan parliament building, Central Jakarta.

"Specifically for the regulatory factor, I would like to convey to all of you that first, the President has assigned us to conduct an effort to review all laws, government regulations, including ministerial regulations," said Supratman in a meeting with Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Senayan, Central Jakarta, Monday, November 4.

Supratman said that the harmonization and synchronization of all regulations are what President Prabowo Subianto wants in realizing Indonesia Emas 2045. In addition, the Ministry of Law also hopes to be able to work more transparently and accountably in the future.

"To build the Ministry of Law into a more transparent, accountable Ministry and all the personnel who will work together in order to support government programs under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto can run," he added.