JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian anti grafts body, The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary-General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), in connection with alleged bribery related to the interim replacement (PAW) of a House of Representatives (DPR) member and obstruction of justice. The detention is based on sufficient preliminary evidence gathered by the KPK.

PDIP is the biggest party in Indonesia maintenant. Hasto Kristiyanto has been under KPK’s radar since 2020 in a case involving Harun Masiku, Wahyu Setiawan, Agustiani Tio, and Saeful Bahri.

He is accused of orchestrating and controlling lawyer Donny Tri Istiqomah (DTI) to lobby elections departement (KPU) member Wahyu Setiawan to appoint Harun Masiku as an elected law maker (DPR) member from the South Sumatra electoral district.

The alleged bribery involved SGD 19,000 and USD 38,350, which were reportedly given to Wahyu Setiawan and Agustiani Tio Fridelina between December 16 and 23, 2019. The funds were intended to secure Harun Masiku’s position as a DPR member for the 2019–2024 term.

KPK spokesperson Tessa Mahardhika Sugiarto emphasized that Hasto’s detention is purely a law enforcement measure, devoid of any political motives. She reiterated that the KPK’s actions are based on sufficient evidence and are in line with its mandate to combat corruption.

Despite the 2019 KPK Law designating KPK leaders as state officials, the commission retains its authority to investigate and prosecute corruption cases. This legal framework ensures that the KPK can continue its work independently, even when dealing with high-profile individuals.

Christina Clarissa Intania, a legal researcher at The Indonesian Institute (TII), praised KPK’s commitment to upholding the law. She noted that while the new KPK Law might hinder the commission’s independence, this step should be appreciated and supported to strengthen Indonesia’s anti-corruption efforts.

Hasto plans to file a pretrial motion after his previous request was rejected. This legal maneuver is part of his defense strategy, but the KPK is expected to continue the legal process rigorously to ensure the case proceeds to trial.

The case has sparked mixed reactions from the public. Many support KPK’s independence and call for consistent law enforcement without political interference. Others are closely watching how the legal proceedings will unfold, given Hasto’s prominent political position.

This case highlights KPK’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Indonesia, even when involving high-profile political figures. It underscores the importance of an independent and fearless anti-corruption body in upholding justice.

As the legal process continues, the KPK’s actions in this case will be closely monitored by both national and international observers. The outcome could have significant implications for Indonesia’s anti-corruption framework and the broader fight against graft in the country. (Uki Ruknuddin)