National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian (left) stands with Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) commissioners led by Agus Rahardjo (right) after a meeting at the National Police headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday (6/7). The meeting discussed the latest developments within the two institutions.
The National Police\'s move to establish an anti-corruption Special Detachment Unit (Densus) must be seen as part of the nation’s war against corruption.
Theoretically, the more institutions are tasked with fighting and preventing corruption, the stronger the signal that is sent of the nation\'s seriousness in eradicating corruption. We already have the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the Attorney General\'s Office, the National Police, the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP), inspectorate generals in the ministries, the Ombudsman Commission, and other institutions. If all institutions can synergize and be intent in preventing and combating corruption, we believe corruption can be reduced.
In the post-reform era, the fight to eradicate corruption has been driven more by the KPK. The KPK should be appreciated. At least the KPK has made history in revealing the corruption that involved Constitutional Court Chief Justice Akil Mochtar and Regional Representatives Council (DPD)Speaker Irman Gusman, and now, the naming of House of Representatives Speaker Setya Novanto as a suspect.
However, it should also be recognized that as a result of the KPK\'s central role in uncovering corruption, including corrupt politicians and in particular, party leaders, the KPK has become a common enemy. The KPK has been made a "target" that must be weakened.
Now the KPK is facing a tremendous political "attack" from various circles. These are the people who want to live from corrupting the economy of this nation. Luckily, the KPK still has widespread public support as a candle to spread the light for eradicating corruption in Indonesia.
It is in this context that the anti-corruption Special Detachment Unit must be made to accompany the KPK in the journey to eradicate corruption in this country. We welcome the stance of KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo, who does not question the plan to form the Anti-Corruption Densus. The two institutions have the same goal: to combat corruption.
We suggest that the KPK and the National Police work together and share the task of fighting corruption. The KPK is only located in Jakarta, while the National Police can reach the regions. Therefore, it would be better if the Anti-Corruption Densus focuses more on handling corruption cases in the regions that have not been fully tackled by the KPK so far.
It is the duty of National Police Chief Gen. (Pol.) Tito Karnavian to ready police officers who have a strong commitment and possess integrity to fight corruption. Individual who work to eradicate corruption must be those who are completely clean in the eyes of society, so that they will get public support.
