Corruption Eradication Measures Should not be Weakened, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi delivers a statement regarding the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at the journalist working office of the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday (13/6)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that Indonesia still needs extraordinary efforts to eradicate corruption and hopes that the spirit of corruption eradication in Indonesia will continue to be maintained and kept alive.

President Jokowi made the statement when he visited the working office of journalists working at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday (13/6), after distributing staple food at the Mubarok Mosque, Penjaringan, North Jakarta.

“I do not want the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) becomes weak. The Commission must be strong. The corruption eradication measures should not be weakened because our country still needs extraordinary efforts to eradicate corruption,” President Jokowi said.

Therefore, President Jokowi asserted that any ideas to weaken the KPK should be abandoned and this is the spirit and fundamental mind that should be maintained by all Indonesians. “We need a strong, independent KPK. These thoughts must become our common foundation in taking any measures and making any decisions. Thus, do not think to weaken the KPK. It must not be done!” the President added.

President Jokowi admitted that there are several ideas of improvement to be done by the KPK. However, the President said that the improvement should be based on the spirit to turn the KPK into a more professional and strong Commission. “If it needs improvement, then do it. If it needs to be fixed, then do it. But, we still need a strong KPK and an ever-strong effort to eradicate corruption. Once again, we still need extraordinary efforts to tackle corruption,” the President firmly said.

The President personally has no words for the issue of right of inquiry request against KPK which was proposed at the House of Representatives (DPR) and stated that the issue is the authority of the DPR that the Government cannot interfere. “It is under the authority of the DPR,” the President concluded.

Accompanying the President during that occasion were Minister of State Secretary Pratikno and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.  (BPMI/EN) (RA/EP/YM/Naster)