Analysis: Scandals involving Indonesia’s anti-corruption chief a test of Jokowi’s commitment to fighting graft

Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission chief Firli Bahuri speaking during a press conference announcing the arrest of a corruption suspect behind him on May 24, 2022. Its three-metre tall metal gates were padlocked while the blinds of its windows tightly shut. Aside from the rustling trees shading the minimalist-style house, there were hardly any signs of life.

“Jokowi must see to it that the KPK is only filled with competent and trustworthy people if he wants to be remembered as a president who is committed to fighting corruption,” the expert continued, referring to the president by his popular nickname.The KPK has been investigating Syahrul since 2020 when it began receiving tip offs from activists and people inside the ministry.

Syahrul returned to Jakarta on Oct 4. The following day, Syahrul visited the Jakarta Police headquarters to lodge a complaint against the KPK chairman alleging that Mr Firli had tried to extort money from him.The KPK chairman denied the accusation. “I can assure you, we never had any contact with people , asking for something, let alone extort,” he told a press conference on Oct 5.Mr Firli admitted that he did have contact with Syahrul but maintained the two did not discuss the case.

Which is why when a selection committee, sanctioned by Jokowi’s administration, nominated Mr Firli for a KPK commissioner position, activists were fuming. A house in Jakarta's Senopati area rented by Corruption Eradication Commission chairman Firli Bahuri. Former KPK commissioner Mr Saut said police should open a separate investigation into how Mr Firli, who receives a monthly take-home pay of 123 million rupiah, was able to afford to rent the house.

Syahrul is the sixth member of Jokowi’s cabinet to be charged with corruption, which is more than any other president in Indonesia’s history. Mr Fickar of Trisakti University said Jokowi must take the selection process of strategic public posts seriously. Equally important is how these positions are monitored and supervised.

But Mr Kurnia of Indonesia Corruption Watch said the supervisory committee is moving too slowly and its sanctions too weak.

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