Indonesia approves controversial revisions to law governing anti-corruption agency KPK
- The Corruption Eradication Commission, known by its Indonesian initials, KPK, has prosecuted hundreds of politicians and officials
- The reforms have alarmed anti-corruption activists, who fear they are meant to weaken the agency
The Corruption Eradication Commission, known by its Indonesian initials, KPK, has prosecuted hundreds of politicians and officials since its formation in 2002, becoming one of the country’s most respected agencies. But there have been repeated efforts by politicians and police to undermine it.
Parliament passed a motion last week to debate amendments to the 2002 law that created the agency, leading to Tuesday’s revisions that will place it under the oversight of an external board. The board’s main power will be to authorise wiretaps.
Member of parliament Johnny G. Plate dismissed criticism of the changes, saying all state agencies needed oversight.
“We want to establish a supervisory board to make the KPK’s management more prudent and accountable,” Plate said. “There is no state institution in the world that does not have supervisory board, without checks and balances.”
But the reforms have alarmed anti-corruption activists, who fear they are meant to weaken the agency.
We want to establish a supervisory board to make the KPK’s management more prudent and accountable
Protesters gathered in front of parliament before Tuesday’s vote, some holding signs bemoaning the KPK’s “funeral”.