House of Representatives Speaker Setya Novanto (third from left) says he will comply with the legal process in relation to being named a suspect by the KPK in the e-ID corruption case. At the press conference in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (18/7), Novanto was accompanied by his deputies,Fahri Hamzah, Fadli Zon, Agus Hermanto and Taufik Kurniawan.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Golkar Party Chairman Setya Novanto as a suspect in a scheme to embezzle funds earmarked for the procurement of electronic ID (e-ID) cards.
KPK Chairman Agus Rahardjo said Novanto has enriched himself, other people, or corporations in a project valued at Rp 5.84 trillion which has caused the state to suffer Rp 2.3 trillion in losses. The procurement of the e-ID cards occurred in the 2011-2013 period. Two defendants from the ranks of Home Ministry have been tried and are awaiting their verdicts.
Indications that Novanto would become ensnared in the case have long been present. Novanto, however, along with other leadership elements of the House of Representatives, denied the KPK’s allegationsin a statement. "Insha Allah, what is alleged is not true," he said. Novanto insisted that he would follow and respect the legal process.
The House leadership emphasized that there would be no change in the House leadership. Novanto would continue to lead the House until his case enters permanent legal force. Based on a review of the House’s executive board and on the Law on People\'s Consultative Assembly (MPR), DPR, Regional Representative Council (DPD) and Provincial/Regental Legislative Councils (DPRD), a House member with the status of suspect does not have to resign from his post.
The Golkar Party, through its executive chairman Nurdin Halid and secretary general Idrus Marham, reiterated that they would not hold a national conference or extraordinary meeting to address Novanto’s legal status.
Golkar’s political stance and the legal steps taken by Novanto must be respected. Allegations and denials are common. Let the KPK prove the allegations laid against Novanto during trial at the corruption court. It is the KPK’s responsibility to prove the extent of Novanto’s role in the e-ID case, along with the roles of bureaucrats and entrepreneurs, and who benefitedfrom the corruption. Let the legal process work and we will all keep an eye on it.
The Golkar Party, a party which has a long political experience, will be able to overcome the turbulence that hit its general chairman without causing political chaos. This case is not the first of its kind for Golkar. Whatever choices and political steps the partytakes in addressing the status of the suspect that has befallenits general chairman, may have an impact on Golkar alone. The legal process will take a long timeuntil it arrives at a judgment with permanent legal force.
We also believe that the House members each have their own rationality and standards of propriety to address the latest political development. This is because, aside from regulations and laws, there also exist ethical and propriety standards which should have become their guideline. The MPR Decree No.VI/MPR/2001 on Ethics of the Life of the State can stand as a code of conduct for administrators of the state.
