Graft probe of PDI-P sec-gen fuels claims of selective prosecution

Timing raises suspicions anti-graft body may be targeting critics of official policies

- Hariz Baharudin

The anti-corruption agency's decision to name Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto as a graft suspect has sparked claims that the move is politically motivated and reflects the agency's bias.

On Dec 24, news broke that Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) had issued a warrant to investigate Mr Hasto for his alleged role in helping former party member and fugitive Harun Masiku secure a seat in the House of Representatives for the 2019 to 2024 term.

KPK chairman Setyo Budiyanto told reporters that the commission had "found evidence" of Mr Hasto's involvement. He added that the party leader is also suspected of obstructing justice by instructing Harun to throw his phone into water and to run away.

Harun, who has been at large since 2020, is suspected of bribery for allegedly offering 1.5 billion rupiah (S$125,800) to a senior elections official in exchange for the House seat. The seat was left vacant after a PDI-P lawmaker-elect died after winning it in April 2019.

The KPK's announcement was criticised by some netizens. Instagram user @jalyah_emyu23 said that KPK stood for Komisi Pesanan Kawan, or Friend Order Commission, while another user @annurulhasan said it stood for Komisi Pesanan Keluarga, or Family Order Commission.