President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo again reminded civil servants not to be tempted by corrupt practices. Integrity while serving the country and society should always be a top priority.
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SUMEDANG, KOMPAS — President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo again reminded civil servants not to be tempted by corrupt practices. Integrity while serving the country and society should always be a top priority.
The statement was emphasized by the President after the inauguration of 1,456 civil servants from the Institute of Public Administration (IPDN) in Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java, Friday (27/7/2018). The face of the President seemed more assertive when asked about the arrest of South Lampung Regent Zainudin Hasan by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
"I remind all regents, mayors, governors, and all civil servants of the country, do not play around with the budget. We know, the KPK always acts professionally in handling each case. It should be appreciated," said the President.
KPK arrested Zainudin on Thursday (26/7) night. He was then named a suspect along with chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction of the Lampung Legislative Council (DPRD) Agus Bhakti Nugroho, head of the South Lampung Public Works and Housing Agency Anjar Asmara, and businessman Gilang Ramadhan.
Zainudin is believed to have received Rp 599 million from Gilang. The money was part of the project fee for 10 to 17 percent of the South Lampung agency’s service. The demand for rewards and project arrangements were carried out by Zainudin through Agus and Anjar. In the auction arranged by Agus, Gilang obtained 15 projects with a total project value of Rp 20 billion.
Zainudin\'s arrest was the 19th arrest operation conducted by KPK throughout 2018. Before being taken to Jakarta, Zainudin and the other suspects were questioned by a team from the KPK at the Lampung Police headquarters.
"The repressive effort is the last step. The prevention team had come here, but it happened again. With this repressive effort, it is hoped (the corrupt practices) will no longer happen," said KPK deputy chairperson Basaria Pandjaitan.
Party
Zainudin and Agus are PAN members. Now, Agus is also a PAN legislative member candidate for the House of Representatives (DPR). Meanwhile, Gilang is also listed as a PAN candidate for the Lampung Legislative Council.
In connection with this, Zainudin\'s elder brother, who is also the general chairman of PAN, Zulkifli Hasan, said he always reminded his members to stay away from corrupt behavior.
Responding to the case that befell on his younger brother, Zulkifli, who is also the speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), apologized and expressed concern. He allowed the KPK to handle the case and asked his brother to be cooperative. “I believe the KPK will act professionally,” he said.
Head of the Information Center of the Domestic Affairs Ministry Bahtiar said South Lampung Deputy Regent Nanang Ermanto would be appointed acting regent of South Lampung.
Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Regional Representative Board of PAN Irfan Nuranda Djafar said that the party was considering replacing Gilang as a legislative candidate for the Lampung Legislative Council. The authority to replace Agus as a PAN legislative candidate at the House falls under the central executive board of PAN.
The vice chairman of the law and human rights division of the Lampung Representative Board of PAN, Ali Butho, said in response to the arrest of two of his party’s executives that the KPK would provide legal advocacy.