President Prabowo Calls for Harsher Penalties for Corruptors: A Spectrum of Reactions
President Prabowo Subianto has sparked a swirl of reactions, particularly from his supporters, after calling for corruptors to face half-a-century in prison. Prabowo made these remarks at the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) in Central Jakarta, amidst the Musrenbangnas RPJMN 2025-2029 event on Monday (30/12/2024).
"I hope if it’s clear, clear that they’ve broken the law, clear they’ve caused trillions in losses, then all parties involved, especially the judges, don’t give them too lenient a sentence," Prabowo said. He then summoned Minister of Immigration and Former Prisoners Agus Adrianto and Attorney General ST Burhanuddin, urging the latter to file an appeal and, if possible, impose a 50-year sentence.
Former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator Yudi Purnomo echoed Prabowo’s sentiments. He believed that corruptors deserve the death penalty and lifetime imprisonment. "Those who engage in corruption worthy of the death penalty should be given the death penalty and seized of all their ill-gotten wealth," Yudi said via a short message to detikcom.
Yudi agreed with Prabowo’s proposal to sentence corruptors to 50 years in prison, asserting that such harsh penalties would deter others from committing similar offenses. He criticized the six-and-a-half-year jail term imposed on Harvey Moeis in the case involving corruption and the loss of trillions of rupiah due to illegal mining activities. Yudi disseminated information that the change in penal atrocity laws could permit the death penalty for corruptors who exploit national disasters and economic crises to line their pockets.
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) swiftly responded to Prabowo’s statement, expressing their solidarity. Kapuspenkum Kejagung RI Harli Siregar stated, "Of course, we fully support the President’s statement. We are taking immediate action, as we have already lodged an appeal regarding the six-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Harvey Moeis."
Harli emphasized that the AGO is proceeding with the appeal process according to existing regulations under the Corruption Crime Law (Tipikor). "We should adhere to the rule of law, and as operational stakeholders, we must enforce the existing regulations," he clarified.
Adding her voice to the conversation, DPR’s Komisi III Fraksi PAN member Endang Agustina weighed in, expressing support for Prabowo’s stance. "Prabowo’s statement is a reflection of the sentiments of the Indonesian people who are tirelessly fighting against corruption," she declared.
Endang hopes that corruptors will receive maximum sentences proportionate to their misdeeds. She emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in delivering impartial verdicts and becoming the last line of defense against corruption.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. (aik/fas)
