Headline: Jokowi Responds to KPK‘s Appointment of PDIP‘s Hasto as Suspect in Corruption Case
Subhead: PDIP Alleges Political Motivation Behind Hasto’s Status; KPK Reveals His Role in Harun Masiku‘s PAW Case
Article:
In the aftermath of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) naming Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), as a suspect in a corruption case, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has responded, KPK has disclosed Hasto’s role, and PDIP has expressed suspicions of political motives.
PDIP Alleges Political Motivation
PDIP, in a press conference, suggested that the KPK’s move to name Hasto a suspect was politically motivated, indicating that it was related to Hasto’s vocal opposition to Jokowi towards the end of his tenure. Ronny Talapessy, Chairman of PDIP’s Central Leadership Board (DPP),":
"We believe that the accusation of obstruction of justice is purely a technical and legal formality. The real reason behind making DPP PDIP’s Secretary General a suspect is political."
He further elaborated that Hasto’s strong stance against attempts to undermine democracy and the constitution, particularly towards the end of Jokowi’s presidency, could be a factor.
- "In particular, because the Secretary General of PDIP firmly stated the party’s political stance, opposing efforts that could damage democracy, the constitution, and also against arbitrariness and abuse of power at the end of the tenure of the former President."
Jokowi’s Response
Jokowi, now a private citizen after leaving office, maintained a relaxed demeanor when asked about the issue. He simply stated that he was no longer in office and wished all parties to respect the ongoing legal process.
"(No issue with my name being brought up in this case) … He-he …, I’m already retired, a pensioner," Jokowi said at Graha Saba Buana in Solo. (detikJateng, 25/12)
He also urged everyone to respect the legal process.
"Yes, respect the entire judicial process that is ongoing," he said.
KPK Unveils Hasto’s Role
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto clarified Hasto’s role in the bribery case involving the replacement of time (PAW) of Harun Masiku. Hasto, along with Masiku and their associates, allegedly bribed Wahyu Setiawan and Agus Setiani.
"Mr. HK’s actions, together with Mr. HM and friends, were to place Mr. HM in the electoral list for South Sumatra even though he is originally from South Sulawesi, specifically from Toraja," Setyo explained.
In the 2019 legislative elections, Masiku received 5,878 votes, far fewer than PDIP’s Rizky Aprilia, who secured 44,402 votes and was expected to replace the late PDIP legislator Nazaruddin Kiemas.
The KPK head added that Hasto actively tried to prevent Rizky from becoming a legislator, taking several steps to ensure Masiku replaced Kiemas.
