Bogor Regent Ade Yasin Arrested By KPK, Observer: OTT Doesn't Create A Deterrent Effect For Regional Heads

President Joko Widodo (Antara)

JAKARTA - Bogor Regent Ade Yasin was caught in a hand arrest operation (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). This arrest relates to allegations of bribery in the management of the findings of the Bogor Regency Government financial reports.

Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, M. Jamiluddin Ritonga, said the arrest of Bogor Regent Ade Yasin added to the long line of arrests of regional heads by the KPK.

"The KPK OTT does not appear to have a deterrent effect for regional heads", said Jamiluddin, Thursday, April 28. This, continued Jamiluddin, was caused by at least three things. First, the sentence is too low. Where many regional heads who are entangled in corruption are only sentenced to sentences of 5 years and under.

"The verdict is also not followed by efforts to impoverish the corruptors. This, of course, does not deter the corruptors", said Jamiluddin.

Second, the public can accept corruptors after serving their sentences. In fact, said Jamiluddin, there is an impression that the public welcomes corruptors with joy.

"It certainly makes corruptors not feel alienated by society. As a result, the corruptors feel comfortable after re-mingling with society", explained Jamiluddin.

Third, is the political cost of becoming a regional head. Meanwhile, political capital cannot be recovered from his salary and allowances for five years in office.

As a result, said Jamiluddin, regional heads will cover the political costs illegally. They are looking for financial sources that can cover the political costs. Thus, corruption is the fastest way to cover all political costs.

"As long as these three things are still valid, then there will still be regional heads who are affected by OTT by the KPK", he said.