KPK's Explanation Of Hasto Kristiyanto Just Becomes A Suspect Even Though Harun Masiku's Case Was Investigated 5 Years Ago

KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto (center)/PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

JAKARTA - The chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) explained the reason his party had just named PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto as a suspect in the bribery case that also ensnared Harun Masiku.

In fact, the KPK has handled a bribery case with the recipient of the former KPU commissioner Wahyu Setiawan since 5 years ago.

"This case has been handled since 2019. But now (Hasto has been named a suspect). This is because of the adequacy of the evidence, investigators are more confident," said Setyo at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Tuesday, December 24.

The KPK, according to Setyo, only named Hasto as a suspect after going through a number of processes, ranging from the determination of Harun Masiku as a fugitive, summoning several witnesses, examining, to confiscation of evidence.

"Well, that's where we get a lot of evidence and clues which then strengthens the investigator's confidence to take action, to make decisions," said Setyo.

"Of course, through the process of stages as regulated in the Deputy for Enforcement. It was only then decided that an Investigation Order was issued," he added.

In his determination as a suspect, Hasto is said to be actively involved in the bribery case process against former KPU RI Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan with Harun Masiku.

In addition, Hasto is also suspected of obstructing efforts to investigate the KPK to explore the bribery process against former KPU RI Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan in order to make Harun the elected candidate for the DPR RI in the 2019 Legislative Election.

"The suspect Hasto Kristiyanto and his friends deliberately prevented, hindered or thwarted directly or indirectly the investigation of the alleged corruption case," explained Setyo.

When the KPK conducted a hand arrest operation (OTT) on January 8, 2020, Hasto ordered Harun to submerge his cellphone into the water and immediately escape so as not to be caught by the KPK.

Then, on June 6, 2024 before Hasto was examined as a witness by the KPK, Hasto ordered his staff, Kusnadi, to drown cellphones so that they were not found by the KPK.

"Brother HK (Hasto) gathered several witnesses related to the Harun Masiku case and directed the witness not to provide true information," said Setyo.

For information, Harun Masiku was named a suspect by the KPK on suspicion of giving gifts or promises to state officials regarding the management of the appointment of elected candidates for DPR RI members for the 2019-2024 period at the General Election Commission (KPU).

Harun has been on the wanted list (DPO) since January 17, 2020 after being absent from the summons of KPK investigators.

Another party involved in this case is Wahyu Setiawan, a former member of the KPU for the 2017-2022 period, who has been convicted and is serving a seven-year prison sentence. Wahyu is now free of condition at Kedungpane Class I Prison Semarang, Central Java.