No Shame: Head of Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Agency KPK Named As Suspect in Extortion Case

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Firli Bahuri, the head of Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Agency (KPK), has been named as suspect in extortion and gratification cases. He allegedly extorted the former Minister for Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo in his own corruption case.

However, Firli Bahuri has not immediately stepped down from his position. The high official of KPK said that there is no shame in it.

"Are we ashamed? I personally don't. Because of what? This has not been proven. Not proven," said Deputy Head of KPK Alexander Marwata during a press conference on Thursday (23/11/2023).

Alexander Marwata took an example from another deputy head, Johanis Tanak, who was accused of leaking documents, but then it was not proven.

"We must also hold to the presumption of innocence principle," said Alexander. He also emphasized that Firli should be given legal aid in his capacity as an employee of KPK.

Firli is coming from police background with rank of commissary-general.

Coordinator of Presidential Special Staff, Ari Dwipayana, said that the Palace will be ready to appoint a temporary head of KPK.

The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, is reluctant to give elaborate statements about this case. The VP candidate simply said let the law take its course.

Despite the high-level support from inside KPK, the previous leader of KPK celebrated this latest development. One of them is Abraham Samad who shaved his head as a symbolic gesture in front KPK's headquarter in Jakarta.

"This momentum is the momentum to clean KPK from the evils who are residing and ingraining inside it which has been destroying the dignity of corruption eradication and destroying the institution of KPK," said Abraham Samad.

The anti-Firli crowds also ate tumpeng together to commemorate this occasion. Tumpeng is a sophisticated rice dish which is often eaten in celebration. Abraham received the first slice of tumpeng.

Another former high-profile investigator of KPK, Novel Baswedan, was also involved in the celebration. Novel described Firli as a "big criminal".

Novel worried that there have been other similar cases which are not revealed yet. 

"Therefore, I call to all people who have become extortion victims or have knowledge of other Firli's actions to bravely report it," said Novel.