Alleged TNI Backing for Prosecutor in Graft Probe Sparks Rift With Police

Concerns are mounting over alleged military interference in Indonesian law enforcement, potentially creating a rift between the police and the Attorney General's Office (AGO). The Civil Coalition Against Corruption (Kosmak) has voiced alarm over recent developments, particularly the presence of soldiers guarding the residence of Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, during police searches. "We demand that the practice of using the military as a backing, as a bunker, to protect corrupt officials within the Attorney General’s Office be stopped," said Kosmak member Petrus Selestinus. He alleged that military personnel attempted to summon witnesses at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police headquarters, prompting a strong police response. Petrus suggested this alleged military involvement could be linked to several high-profile corruption investigations, including cases involving PT Asabri, coal supply corruption, and PT Krakatau Steel. He claimed these cases were connected to Febrie Adriansyah, leading to a situation where law enforcement might devolve into "mutual retaliation" rather than impartial justice. The coalition also criticized the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), suggesting its weakened state after legal revisions forces investigators to prioritize institutional loyalty. This dynamic, Petrus argued, allows corruption to persist within the system itself, fueling the alleged conflict between the police and the AGO. Kosmak urged President Prabowo Subianto to intervene and manage the escalating tensions between these vital state institutions to prevent further damage to the rule of law.

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We demand that the practice of using the military as a backing, as a bunker, to protect corrupt officials within the Attorney General’s Office be stopped.