Indonesia Postpones Unpopular Revision of Anti-Corruption Law

Rally against the House of Representatives' efforts to revise the law on the Corruption. — Rally against the House of Representatives’ efforts to revise the law on the Corruption.

Jakarta, 14 Jumadal Awwal 1437/23 February 2016 (MINA) – Indonesia has postponed a law revision widely viewed as an attempt to weaken the role of the country’s anti-corruption agency.

President Joko Widodo and House leaders reached the decision after they met in Jakarta on Monday (Feb 22) to resolve the issue which has caused public uproar.

The proposed revision was seen as an attempt to curb the powers of the Corruption Eradication Commission or KPK in its fight against corruption, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting CNA.

The four proposals that garnered intense opposition were restrictions on wire-tapping, the setting up of an over-sight body, directives to stop investigations, and recruitment of investigators.

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“I understand the political dynamics in parliament particularly relating to the proposed revision of law for the anti-corruption commission. In this respect, we agreed that it is best that it is not deliberated at this time,” said President Widodo.

The Indonesian leader said the proposed revision to the law needs further studies and public debate.

President Widodo – who has made fighting corruption key to his reform agenda – was put in a difficult position because his party – the PDIP and others in his coalition – had supported the revision. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)