Analysis: KPK leader’s ethical lapse leads to criminal charges – Academia

Alex was reported to the police for allegedly violating Article 36 of the KPK Law, which prohibits KPK leaders from meeting with suspects or other parties involved in corruption cases. The report comes as a result of his meeting with former Yogyakarta Customs and Excise Department head Eko Darmanto, who is accused of accepting tips and committing money laundering worth Rp37 billion.

Jakarta Police investigators questioned Alex on October 15 in connection with the case. The survey had been postponed to October 11th at Alex’s request.

Alex did not deny the allegations regarding the meeting. He said the encounter took place at the KPK building before Eko was named as a suspect in March 2023 and other KPK leaders knew about the meeting.

Despite Alex’s justification, several legal experts insist that Alex violated the KPK Supervisory Board’s regulations regarding the ethics of KPK executives. At the same time, Alex’s actions could also violate criminal law. Therefore, Jakarta Police Chief Insp. General Karyoto said the police are cooperating with the KPK Supervisory Board in investigating the case.

So far, police have interviewed 23 witnesses between April 5 and October 7 in connection with the matter. These include Eko, a KPK official, and officials from the General Inspectorate of the Ministry of Finance.

KPK spokesperson Tessa Mahardika has clarified that the anti-graft agency will not interfere in the ongoing investigation and will cooperate fully with the police.