By: Muhammad Ridwan) *
Jokowi rejected several substances related to the KPK Law which he judged were not yet appropriate. This shows that the Government is reviewing all drafts submitted by the DPR for the optimal eradication of corruption. The material of the KPK Law seems to be endless to discuss. Various polemics follow wherever this material moves, no doubt many pros and cons are launched. This law is expected to be able to strengthen the performance of the KPK in the future, after previously this anti-commercial institution is suspended.
In a press conference, President Joko Widodo explained his attitude regarding the substance which was approved and rejected by him. Initially Jokowi stressed that the revision of the KPK Law was a bill proposed by the DPR. Then the task of the government is to respond. Namely, by preparing a list of problem contents (DIM) and assigning the minister to conduct discussions or studies. But along the way, Jokowi assessed that the KPK Law still needs revision, although it is limited. He said he was convinced that the KPK would remain a central institution and its authority would remain stronger than other institutions regarding corruption eradication.
The number one person in Indonesia stated four points he disagreed with regarding the revision of the Law which he considered was not yet right. Here are the 4 points
- Jokowi refused to agree if the KPK party had to ask permission from the external party in advance to conduct the wiretapping process. For example, if you have to get permission from the court, the KPK is considered sufficient to ask the supervisory board’s internal permission to maintain confidentiality.
- With regard to KPK Investigators and investigators who only come from the police and the attorney general’s office. Jokowi stated that if the KPK Investigators and Investigators could also come from ASN elements, could come from KPK employees, or other agencies, but still had to go through the right and proper recruitment procedures.
- Jokowi does not agree if the KPK must coordinate with the Prosecutor’s Office in the prosecution process. Jokowi assessed that the prosecution system that has been running now is good, so it does not need to be changed anymore.
- Finally, Jokowi did not agree on LHKPN management which would later be issued from the KPK, the fiber would be given to other ministries or institutions. Jokowi wants the LHKPN to be maintained by the KPK as it has done so far.
Jokowi further emphasized that this anti-terrorist institution must play the most core role in the eradication of corruption. The KPK must also be the most powerful institution of authority compared to other institutions related to this corruption. In the legislation meeting in mid-September 2019 involving the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Yasonna Laoly and the Minister of Home Affairs, Tjahjo Kumolo also discussed a number of revisions related to the KPK Law. He denied that the meeting was held in order to speed up the discussion of the revision. In the meeting there were at least 3 bills. Namely, Revision of Law number 30 of 2002 regarding the KPK, Second revision of Law number 2 of 2018 concerning, Parliament, MPR, DPD and DPRD (UU MD3).
And do not miss the revision of the Amendment to Law Number 12 of 2011 which contains the Formation of Regulations and Regulations. It was stated that the latest revision of the law allowed the DPR to continue discussing the revision that had not been completed in the current period to the next, without starting over. On the other hand, President Jokowi expressed his opinion related to whether or not the formation of a supervisory board for this anti-profit institution. The former Jakarta Governor felt the need to establish a supervisory board to oversee the corruption eradication agency. Jokowi stated that the Supervisory Board is needed because almost all state institutions work in principle of checks and balances. This is needed to reduce the potential for abuse of authority, so that the presence of a supervisory board is a reasonable instrument towards a better governance process.
In addition, Jokowi also added that the supervisory board needs to take members from community leaders, academics or anti-corruption activists but not politicians, not bureaucrats or law enforcement officers who are still active. Another opinion came from the Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko. He stated that if the KPK Bill was certainly needed, his party would analogize that in a democratic country there were no institutions that behaved like gods. He also added that the revision was one of the efforts of the government and the House of Representatives to improve anti-financial institutions, so that they would not be legitimized. However, on the other hand the DPR has ratified the KPK Bill into law. This was done at the plenary meeting which was held on September 17th.
However, the stipulation of the KPK Bill should be able to be carried out according to various studies and in-depth research. Considering that this interfaith institution has a pretty heavy task in eradicating corruption which is considered stagnant for 17 years of work. So that the implementation of the KPK Law will be able to strengthen the performance of the KPK going forward.
) * The author is a social political observer