Firli Shows Photo of Handshake with the National Police Chief in the Middle of the Polemic on the Dismissal of Brigadier General Endar Priantoro

Firli Bahuri and National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo (Photo: DOK VOI/Wardhany T)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri poses for a photo with National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo amidst the polemic over the dismissal of Brigadier General Endar Priantoro as Director of Investigations for the KPK. This moment occurred on Sunday, April 16 at the Police Chief's official residence.

In the photo, Firli and Listyo are seen holding hands and smiling. Said the former Deputy for Enforcement of the Corruption Eradication Committee, his institution and the National Police have always worked hand in hand because they have the same goal of eradicating corruption in the country.

"KPK and National Police work hand in hand in synergy to eradicate corruption. Polri provides assistance and contributes to every KPK activity", said Firli in a written statement, Tuesday evening, April 18.

There are several ways to do this effort. One of them is educating and socializing the public about the dangers of corrupt acts. "We and the National Police Chief along with all members of the National Police and KPK personnel have the same enthusiasm to make Indonesia free and clean from corruption", said Firli.

Furthermore, Firli did not elaborate on the contents of the meeting, including whether there was discussion of the polemic of Brigadier General Endar. However, Head of KPK Reporting Section Ali Fikri said this meeting is usually held to maintain synergy.

"It's a routine event every month", he said.

Meanwhile, former KPK investigator Yudi Purnomo assessed that the meeting took place because Firli was increasingly cornered due to the polemic that occurred. Because, at this time he was reported on suspicion of several violations.

"Firli Bahuri's visit to the National Police Chief at the National Police Chief's Office is proof that Firli is scared due to his own actions. Moreover, Firli himself is spreading the photos and contents of the meeting, which is not good in a joint meeting", Yudi said in a written statement.

"There have been many reports from the public or student movements, including Endar Priantoro to the Supervisory Board, the National Police, and finally the ombudsman both against him, other KPK leaders, the KPK secretary general, or the Head of the KPK HR Bureau", he continued.

Previously, Endar officially reported the Chairman, Secretary General, and Head of the HR Bureau of the KPK to the Indonesian Ombudsman. He suspected maladministration when he was dismissed as the KPK's Director of Investigations.

In addition, he reported KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri and KPK Secretary General Cahya H. Harefa to the KPK Supervisory Board. Then, Endar also reported other alleged violations such as the leaking of documents investigating alleged corruption at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to being forced to produce documents even though the case or exposure had not been carried out.

Endar was honorably discharged from the post of Director of Investigation on March 31 after he was briefly returned to the National Police. It's just that the Bhayangkara Corps member was asked to return to the KPK according to the order of the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.