Alarm for KPK

KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI

Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for the 2019-2023 period Firli Bahuri (from left to right), KPK deputy chairman Alexander Marwata, KPK deputy chairperson Lili Pintauli Siregar, KPK deputy chairman Nawawi Pomolango and KPK deputy chairman Nurul Ghfron read out the integrity pact during the office handover from KPK 2019-2023 leaders at the KPK building, Jakarta, Friday (20/12/2019).

Heavy challenges are faced by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) leaders, which are headed by Firli Bahuri. Public trust in the KPK has declined.

A Kompas poll released on 23 June 2020 shows the KPK’s image was at the lowest point in its history. As much as 44.6 percent of respondents said the KPK’s image was good. In fact, previously, in May 2017, the KPK was in the culmination of its image. As much as 82.8 percent of respondents view the KPK as having a good image. Public satisfaction in efforts to prevent and eradicate corruption also stood at 35.5 percent. In contrast, 59.2 percent of respondents felt dissatisfied with the performance of the KPK.

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The decline of public confidence in the reform era’s "bad boy" must be observed. In its history, the KPK was once an institution most respected by the public. The spirit of the KPK in eradicating corruption in this country was appreciated by the public. However, along with the progress of the political dynamics, this nation seems to be too exhausted in fighting corruption. Corruption investigators were accidentally, according to the prosecutors, attacked.

The narrative was later developed by a group of political elites that the aggressiveness in eradicating corruption was seen as disrupting the economy. KPK’s maneuvers in arresting corruptors are seen as a ploy or a stage performance about corruption eradication. The narrative continues to be developed. Finally, there was allegation that KPK had been controlled by certain political groups. It all led to the revision of the KPK Law. Public opinion was shaken and the KPK Law revision was successfully passed.

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KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Thousands of workers and students rally on Youth Pledge Day at the Arjuna Wijaya chariot statue in Jakarta on Monday (28/10/2019). The protesters rallied against revisions to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law and the draft Criminal Code.

If seen from its history, the revision of the KPK Law became the starting point for the decline in public confidence in the antigraft body. The condition was exacerbated by the performance of KPK leaders who liked to visit state institutions to discuss how to prevent corruption. Three red-handed arrest operations were carried out, by the public responded coldly.

In terms of law enforcement, the spirit of fighting corruption continues to relax. The KPK has lost cases in court several times, especially in the Supreme Court. For example, in the case of former head of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (BPPN) Syarifuddin Tumenggung and PLN president director Sofyan Baasir. Some corruption convicts also received parole. Eradicating corruption may enter a dark period.

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The success of state commissions, such as the KPK, really depends on the 4M: man, momentum, media and money. In terms of budget (money), the KPK has no problems. However, it seems that the KPK has problems with man (human resource), namely its leadership, the momentum that is let to disappear and the dimming of media support.

This situation will benefit corrupt people. Whether the KPK will be able to be born again depends entirely on the performance of the KPK and the support of the national political elite. So far, the KPK has only relied on public support, which has begun to wane. Complete disclosure of the case of former secretary-general of Supreme Court (MA) Nurhadi may restore public confidence.