23-11-2023 (JAKARTA) In a recent development, Indonesia’s police have officially named Mr. Firli Bahuri, the head of the country’s anti-corruption agency, as a suspect in a case involving alleged extortion or kickbacks. This marks another setback for a government institution that was once highly esteemed.
Mr. Firli, a former police inspector general, is now under suspicion for allegedly extorting money from Mr. Syahrul Yasin Limpo, the former agriculture minister, who himself was arrested in October as a suspect in a corruption case. According to Jakarta police official Mr. Ade Safri Simanjuntak, there is sufficient evidence to implicate Mr. Firli in a corruption case related to extortion.
The investigation revealed that a state official extorted money at the Agriculture Ministry between 2020 and 2023. Authorities conducted raids at two locations, leading to the confiscation of exchange transaction documents involving Singapore and US dollars worth 7.4 billion rupiah (S$636,000).
Mr. Firli, who assumed the role of KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) chief in 2019, has not been arrested, and he has yet to respond to the allegations. In a press conference on Nov 20, before being named a suspect, he vehemently denied any involvement in extortion or bribery.
The KPK, which has been a significant force in prosecuting politicians, officials, and businessmen since its establishment in 2002, has faced challenges and criticism. Changes to the law governing the agency in 2019 were seen by critics as weakening its authority, leading to protests advocating to “save the KPK.” President Joko Widodo urged respect for the legal process in response to questions about Mr. Firli’s status as a suspect.
