Corruption Case, Undermining Golkar's Trust
JAKARTA - Ridwan Kamil (RK) is a former leading architect, ITB lecturer, Bandung Mayor (2013-2018), former Governor of West Java (2018-2023), and a public figure who has been trying to build his image through social media. Currently, he is facing various issues that have hit him, including allegations of corruption at Bank BJB and the issue of infidelity, amid the divorce lawsuit process of his wife Atalia Praratya and the departure of his son, Eril.
He is known for his world-class architectural works and a style of communication that is close to the public. However, he is now facing an investigation by the KPK regarding non-budgetary funds and personal issues that are of concern to the media. He is commonly addressed as Kang Emil, is facing a turning point.
After facing defeat in the Jakarta gubernatorial election against the pair of cagub Pramono Anung-Rano Karno, his image seemed to dim, especially with the emergence of issues surrounding his life.
"Yesterday there was news that someone claimed to have a child from me. I need to say that this is not true and is a heinous slander with economic motives that has been recycled," he said on his official Instagram account @ridwankamil, Thursday (27/3)
Facing the problem currently being faced, his colleagues in the ranks of the Golkar Party's management, Deputy Chairman of the Golkar Party Ace Hasan Syadzily, emphasized that the issue of infidelity that hit the Golkar Party's Deputy Secretary General Ridwan Kamil with the celebrity Lisa Mariana, had no effect and had an impact on the party's internal affairs. According to Ace, the issue of infidelity, will not affect the solidarity of Golkar Party cadres.
His social media account, which has always displayed an image and built his reputation to gain a support base, both in the real world and in the virtual world. However, that reputation has gradually begun to fade, with many issues that have hit him.
Especially since the issue of the affair emerged, Ridwan Kamil immediately clarified. The Ridwan Kamil party through his legal team and communication has repeatedly emphasized that the news is a slander and an attempt to kill the character. Although RK rejected the accusation, a number of parties urged the issue to be brought before the Ethics Council. To clarify the accusations and to maintain political dignity.
Facing Various Problems
In a recent event that shook the virtual world, Ridwan Kamil's (RK) name was once again in the spotlight, not a case of embezzlement with an artist named Lisa Marlina. However, what caught the public's attention was his alleged involvement in the BJB Bank corruption case, which caused the state to lose up to Rp. 222 billion. Although he has not been named a suspect and is only a witness.
Of these cases, some may be brought to an ethical case. Namely, the corruption case at Bank BJB which is suspected of causing 222 billion in losses. The KPK has seized a number of vehicles from his house. Meanwhile, other cases related to his affair so far have entered the private sphere.
Code of professional ethics is a set of norms, rules, and guidelines that regulate a person's behavior and moral responsibility in carrying out his profession. In the context of public officials, the code of ethics is not merely an administrative formality, but is the main foundation that determines how a leader should act and be responsible to the public.
Where violations of the code of ethics of the profession, such as indications of involvement in corruption cases, not only cause material harm, but also greatly damage the reputation and trust of the public in the government and other public institutions. Erosion of public trust can have long-term effects, such as decreased public participation in the government process, social conflict, and weakening of government legitimacy.
Therefore, strengthening the code of ethics of the profession and its enforcement mechanism is an urgent need in the bureaucracy and the world of government. Enforcement of the code of ethics must be carried out consistently and firmly, complemented by independent and transparent oversight mechanisms so that each violation can be detected and given the appropriate sanctions.
Equally important is the provision of ethical and integrity education and training on an ongoing basis for every public official. With sufficient understanding, they can be fully aware of the risks and consequences of moral and legal actions that deviate.
The BJB Bank case also emphasizes that the integrity of public officials is the main foundation for building a clean and competent government. Integrity is not just a personal issue, but a fundamental aspect closely related to institutional credibility as well as social and political stability.
The Code of Ethics for the Profession
By adhering to the code of ethics of the profession, public officials can set an example for the community and keep the wheels of government running well, fairly, and free from corrupt practices.
In addition, transparency in the decision-making process and the publication of information to the public is also a crucial part of enforcing the code of ethics. The public has the right to know how financial management and public policies are carried out so that real accountability is created. The code of ethics not only regulates individual behavior, but must also shape an organizational culture that prioritizes moral and ethical values in all its activities.
It is not enough to rely on written rules, the implementation of a code of ethics of the profession requires real commitment and integrity from every individual who holds a public office. Public officials must be willing to be audited, evaluated, and sanctioned if they are found to have committed violations. Cross-agency collaboration as well as the role of civil society are also essential to oversee the implementation of the code of ethics in the bureaucratic environment.
Meanwhile, KPK spokesman Budi Prasetya said his party would trace the flow of BJB advertising funds which were allegedly flowed to a number of parties, including Ridwam Kamil, worth more than 200 billion. His party traced various indications of TPPU, including by confiscating his motorcycle.
However, 2 lawyers, Artalita's party, Wenda Aluwi and Ridwan Kamil's lawyer, Debi Agusfiansa, confirmed that there was no involvement of a third party involved in the divorce of the two, which has been rumored, but it is purely the desire of both parties to separate in a good way.
Former West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, when confirmed, admitted that he did not know the case of alleged corruption in the procurement of advertisements that occurred at the West Java and Banten Regional Development Bank (Bank BJB). Ridwan Kamil's confession was delivered after being examined for 6 hours by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at the Red and White Building, Jakarta, Tuesday (2/12)
The values of honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability are pillars that must be upheld by every public official in order to carry out their duties well and in accordance with public expectations.
The case of alleged corruption and abuse of authority that occurred at Bank BJB shows serious problems related to financial management and corporate governance owned by the region. As the ex-officio Commissioner of Bank BJB, Ridwan Kamil has a strategic role in ensuring the implementation of healthy and transparent corporate governance and governance.
In this position, a public official is expected not only to serve as a symbol or a position filler. But also as an active supervisor who is proactive in identifying and preventing potential deviations or corruption practices. If there is ignorance of existing deviations, this should be a big question about the effectiveness of the supervision he is carrying out and the institutions he is leading.
In addition to the issue of internal supervision, this case also touches on the importance of integrity and professionalism of a public official. In carrying out his duties, a public official must put the interests of the people and the public interest above his personal or group interests.
Violations of the code of ethics of the profession, such as indications of involvement in corruption cases, not only cause material losses, but also greatly damage the reputation and public trust in the government and other public institutions. Public trust can be eroded and have long-term impacts, including decreased public participation in the government process, social conflicts, and weakening the legitimacy of the government.
Therefore, strengthening the code of ethics of the profession and the enforcement mechanism is an urgent need in the bureaucracy and the world of government. Enforcement of the code of ethics must be consistent and firm, it is necessary for Golkar which is building Pertai trust in the midst of the party's decline. Independent and transparent oversight mechanisms so that any violations can be detected and given the appropriate sanctions.
Equally important is the provision of ethical and integrity education and training on an ongoing basis for every public official. With sufficient understanding, they can be fully aware of the risks and consequences of moral and legal actions that deviate.
Need Integrity
The BJB Bank case also emphasizes that the integrity of public officials is the main foundation to build a clean and authoritative government. Integrity is not just a personal issue, but a fundamental aspect closely related to institutional credibility as well as social and political stability.
By adhering to the code of ethics of the profession, public officials can become an example for the community and keep the wheels of government running well, fairly, and free from corrupt practices.
In addition, transparency in the decision-making process and the publication of information to the public is also a crucial part of enforcing the code of ethics. The public has the right to know how financial management and public policies are carried out so that real accountability is created. The code of ethics not only regulates individual behavior, but must also shape an organizational culture that prioritizes moral and ethical values in all its activities.
It is not enough to rely on written rules, the implementation of a code of ethics of the profession requires real commitment and integrity from every individual who holds a public office. Public officials must be willing to be audited, evaluated, and sanctioned if they are found to have committed violations. Cross-agency collaboration as well as the role of civil society are also essential to oversee the implementation of the code of ethics in the bureaucratic environment.
However, the former Governor of West Java admitted that he did not know about the alleged corruption case in the procurement of advertisements that occurred at the West Java and Banten Regional Development Bank (Bank BJB and Banten). He knew that it was usually handled by certain technical sections, if they reported it. The admission was made by Ridwan Kamil after being examined by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at the Red and White Building, Jakarta, Tuesday (2/12).