The Country Has Not Yet Lost

Despite being too late, the arrest of Lukas Enembe, a suspect in a graft case worth Rp 1 billion (US$64,980), is still appreciated. The country has not yet lost.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Governor of Papua Lukas Enembe sits in a wheelchair when exposed to his detention by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/1/2023).

Papua Governor Lukas Enembe has been named a suspect since 5 September, 2022. For months, due to various excuses, mainly health issues, Lukas Enembe has always avoided the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) summons.

At the end of September 2022, in response to the issues surrounding Lukas, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo asked all parties to respect the legal processes at the KPK. Since no arrests had been made, the public questioned the commitments of the KPK.

If we want to become a great nation, ideally, there should be legal certainty in this country, which Lukas’ cases had not reflected. Lukas being named a suspect, for example, was known by his attorney beforehand. Moreover, Lukas’ suspected briber was arrested earlier than Lukas himself.

Also read:

> Investigation Does not Stop at Lukas

> Arrest of Lukas Enembe Provides Legal Certainty

Firm stances should have been displayed from the beginning. What is unclear about Article 21 of the Criminal Law Procedures Code (KUHAP) in conjunction with Article 17 of the KUHAP? Based on the law, it is clear that the KPK is allowed to arrest and detain a suspect.

What if there is an obstacle? Article 21 of the Corruption Crime Law also regulates criminal threats for those who deliberately prevent, hinder or sabotage investigations, prosecutions and examinations in corruption cases. Once again, what is unclear about the law?

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

The Chairperson of the Corruption Eradication Commission, Firli Bahuri, gives a statement during the exposure to the detention of the Governor of Papua, Lukas Enembe, at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/1/2023).

We understand that the execution may not be necessarily easy. However, do not allow protracted execution to actually destroy the trust in the law. Do not allow the people to lose faith in state servants. Lukas’ lawyers should be defending their client in court, not just making arguments through the media.

Concerning legal certainty, execution and leadership matters, we can take lessons from Wu Zetian (624-705), a woman who became emperor during the Tang Dynasty. Zetian was once asked to form an army of women within the palace walls.

Also read:

> KPK Chases Intermediary of Lukas in Singapore

> Papua Governor Lukas Enembe Named Suspect

At first, the ladies-in-waiting ignored her orders and the troops were in disarray. At that instant, she issued an execution order, which triggered a deterrent effect. Thus, the troops were immediately formed perfectly.

Even though she only ruled for 15 years, Zetian left many legacies behind for China. With her firmness, she bequeathed a meritocratic system of civil servants and the military. The law was upheld. Power was no longer in the hands of several families. The military became a reliable force and was able to protect travel along the Silk Road so as to restore China’s prosperity.

Lukas’ arrest is not the end. We will continue to see if this country truly has not lost yet. We will see how the trial goes. We, the media and civil society groups, will also analyze the verdict. There is still a long way to go.

We hope that similar cases will not occur again, where we witness months of drama regarding suspects “untouchable” by the law due to health issues.

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.