Hasto’s Arrest Purely Law Enforcement, Delay in Attending Retreat Disrupts Governance

JAKARTA — The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) officially detained PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto on Thursday (20/2).

The action was taken as part of an effort to resolve the alleged bribery case in the interim replacement (PAW) of members of the Indonesian House of Representatives for the 2019-2024 period involving former KPU Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan. Hasto was also charged with obstruction of investigation.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra asked all parties to respect the ongoing legal process.

He emphasized that the government would not intervene in the legal steps taken by the KPK.

He added that Hasto had the right to defend himself through his attorney.

KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto emphasized that the decision to detain Hasto was not triggered by the filing of a pretrial motion. The decision was purely based on the sufficiency of evidence held by investigators.

Meanwhile, former KPK investigator Yudi Purnomo appreciated the investigators’ firm steps in detaining Hasto.

He considered the decision to prove that the KPK remains independent and is not influenced by political intervention.

“The KPK has proven its fangs by detaining PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto. The KPK’s firmness is seen in the decision-making of all of these leaders,” he said.

Yudi added that the KPK’s steps are in line with the mission of President Prabowo Subianto’s government in strengthening legal reform and eradicating corruption.

He also asked all parties to respect the legal decisions that have been taken by the KPK and avoid narratives that contradict the spirit of anti-corruption.

Hasto’s detention further clarifies that the case is purely law enforcement, therefore the call to boycott and not participate in the retreat activities will greatly disrupt governance. (*)