Indonesia activists urge KPK to take over graft probe of former deputy attorney general

Calls are intensifying for Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to assume control of the investigation into alleged corruption involving Febrie Adriansyah, a former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes. Activists argue that KPK intervention is essential to safeguard the investigation from potential conflicts of interest and ensure its independence.

The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) is among the prominent groups advocating for the KPK to handle the case, rather than allowing it to proceed under the purview of the Attorney General's Office after its transfer from the National Police. Muhammad Isnur, Chairman of YLBHI, stated that KPK involvement would guarantee an impartial inquiry and prevent any potential interference, particularly as the case concerns a high-ranking former official within the Attorney General's Office itself.

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The handling by the KPK is needed to close the possibility of conflicts of interest and intervention, while ensuring independence so the case can be fully uncovered.

YLBHI has voiced significant concerns regarding the handling and transfer of the case. The foundation pointed to the timing of the case's move from the National Police to the Attorney General's Office, which occurred shortly after a closed-door meeting involving the National Police Chief, the Attorney General, and the Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander with President Prabowo Subianto. Furthermore, a day prior to this transfer, the Attorney General's Office abruptly halted an investigation into alleged corruption linked to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, a move documented by an official letter.

Isnur asserted that existing legal frameworks do not provide a clear mechanism for transferring corruption cases between different law enforcement agencies. He referenced the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and the KPK Law, arguing that the KPK possesses the legal authority to take over corruption investigations or prosecutions initiated by the police or the Attorney General's Office. He emphasized the necessity of the KPK's role as an independent institution in addressing corruption cases that may involve other law enforcement bodies. According to YLBHI, the alleged corruption value in Adriansyah's case is believed to exceed Rp1 billion, providing the KPK with a legal basis under Article 11 of the KPK Law to take charge of the investigation.

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To address this issue, the existence of the KPK as an independent and integral institution in handling corruption cases involving law enforcement agencies is absolutely necessary.