Sensitivity of People’s Representatives

KOMPAS/NIKOLAUS HARBOWO

Coordinator of the Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) Boyamin Saiman handed over the travel document on behalf of Joko Tjandra to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission III Herman Herry, Tuesday (14/7/2020).

The case of graft convict and fugitive Joko S. Tjandra is believed to have involved many officers within the law enforcement institutions. The public at large is disappointed with the scandal, which is embarrassing the republic.

We give appreciation to the quick maneuvers of National Police chief Gen. Idham Azis. Three police generals have been removed from their positions in connection with Joko Tjandra\'s case based on their respective degree of violation. The three generals are Brig. Gen. Prasetijo Utomo (head of bureau in the Criminal Investigation Department), Brig. Gen. Nugroho Wibowo (secretary-general of NCB International Indonesia) and Insp. Gen. Napoleon Bonaparte (head of the International Relations Division of the National Police). From the civil institution, South Grogol subdistrict head Asep Subahan has been suspended by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

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Were they the only persons involved? We believe there are still other institutions that are also involved in the collusive process to "save" Joko Tjandra. Therefore, it is necessary to think about how the investigation of the Joko Tjandra case can be carried out transparently, accountably, independently and credibly. The investigation within the National Police headquarters has the potential for conflict of interest.

House of Representatives Commission III made the right move when it invited all leaders of relevant law enforcement agencies to a joint meeting to map out the Joko Tjandra case.

As representatives of the people, the House of Representatives (DPR) can actually take the initiative to carry out political supervision. House of Representatives Commission III made the right move when it invited all leaders of relevant law enforcement agencies to a joint meeting to map out the Joko Tjandra case.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

National Police Chief General Idham Azis greets members of the DPR shortly before a working meeting with members of the House of Representatives Commission III at the Parliament Building Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday (30/1/2020).

However, unfortunately, the effort has hampered by bureaucratic and formalistic problems in the House. The House leaders, through House Deputy Speaker Azis Syamsuddin, forbade members from organizing meetings during recess periods. Azis, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives from Golkar, as quoted by Kompas, said he did not want to violate the House rules. Azis\'s view was challenged by other House members, such as Amir Uskara from the United Development Party faction and Willy Aditya from the NasDem Party (Kompas, 20 July 2020). Political sensitivity gone!

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In accordance with its function of carrying out political supervision, the House actually has the opportunity to oversee the Joko Tjandra case. If the House cannot convene for a session during recess, it means the House will be "infertile" until the next sitting session on 13 Aug. 2020. Any political issue that runs wild can actually be moderated if the House takes the supervisory role. However, if that (not taking the supervisory role) is indeed the political choice of the House leaders, the people cannot do anything.

We encourage civil society to continue to monitor the disclosure of Joko Tjandra\'s big scandal, oversee the investigations by the police, encourage surveillance in the prosecutor office, encourage disclosure in the immigration office and encourage lawyer organizations to also scrutinize the position of lawyers defending the Joko Tjandra case. This civil society initiative needs to provide opportunity for the "honorable" House members to take a break during recess period.