Corruption Eradication Committee Detains 15 Employees Suspected in Prison Extortion Case

JAKARTA – Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detained 15 suspects in cases of illegal levies (extortion) in the detention center (rutan) of the anti-corruption agency. The detention was carried out after they underwent examination in their capacity as suspects.

Monitoring at the KPK Juang Building, the 15 detainees were wearing orange vests together. When they were led to the press conference location, their hands were handcuffed.

Previously, the Chairman of the KPK Council, Tumpak Hatorangan Panggabean, said that out of 90 employees, 78 had been given heavy sanctions. “Imposed to the examinees is a heavy sanction in the form of a direct, public apology,” said Tumpak during a press conference at the Dewas Office, Thursday 15 February 2024.

Tumpak explained that the other 12 were handed over to KPK Secretary General Cahya Harefa. The reason is because when they committed this ethical violation, the KPK Council had not yet been formed. “12 of them handed it over to the Secretary General of the Corruption Eradication Commission for further settlement,” he said.

“Because of what? Because they committed the act before the KPK Council existed, so the KPK Council does not have the authority to judge this matter,” he said.

Tumpak continued, the examinees who were given heavy sanctions were found to have violated Article 4 paragraph 2 letter b of the 2021 Adult Regulations, namely the act of abusing their position authority and/or authority, including abusing their influence as KPK personnel in carrying out their duties for personal gain.

“So in carrying out his duties as a detention officer he obtained a personal benefit in the form of money,” he said.

Currently, the KPK Council is in the trial stage of 3 other KPK employees.

(cip)