PDI-P Alleges Political Motivation Behind Corruption Charges Against Secretary-General
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Bribery Allegations and PDI-P’s Defence
On Tuesday, the KPK announced suspect status for Hasto in a bribery case involving General Election Commission (KPU) Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan. The KPK alleges that Hasto and fellow PDI-P executive Harun Masiku paid Setiawan 57,350 Singaporean dollars ($42,140) to secure a parliamentary seat for Masiku. The PDI-P has vehemently denied these allegations, arguing that there is insufficient evidence directly linking Hasto to the bribery scheme. They point out that setiawan was convicted of corruption in 2020, predating Hasto’s alleged involvement. Furthermore, the PDI-P has accused unnamed entities of orchestrating a smear campaign against Hasto. They cite rallies outside the KPK building and social media campaigns demanding Harun Masiku’s arrest as evidence of this coordinated effort. Ronny Talapessy suggested—”The leak of the investigation document before Hasto himself was notified is a clear indication that the KPK has become a tool to target political opponents. The warrant is a confidential state document that should be served to the individual being investigated before being made public.” Additionally, Hasto has been charged with obstructing justice, accused of instructing Harun to flee and evade legal proceedings. The KPK claims to possess evidence substantiating this charge, but the PDI-P dismisses it as “a formality,” reiterating their belief that political motivations lie at the heart of these accusations. Harun Masiku fled Indonesia in January 2020, shortly after the KPK initiated its investigation. His whereabouts remain unkown, and his absence has drawn criticism towards the government and the KPK for their apparent inability to apprehend high-profile fugitives.KPK Denies Political Motives
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto categorically denied any political influence in the investigation: “We are purely enforcing the law,” he stressed. Setyo, who assumed office earlier this month, emphasized that the investigation into Hasto is a continuation of work initiated by the previous KPK leadership. “We are simply following up on evidence and procedures that were already in motion under the previous administration,” he explained.## PDI-P Alleges Political Aims Behind Corruption Charges: An Interview with Ronny Talapessy
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**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Talks. Today, we’re discussing the recent corruption charges leveled against Hasto kristiyanto, secretary-general of the Indonesian democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Joining us is Ronny Talapessy, a member of the PDI-P central committee, who has been vocal about the party’s concerns regarding this case.Mr. Talapessy, thank you for joining us.
**Ronny Talapessy:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) recently named Mr. Kristiyanto a suspect in a corruption case. Can you tell our audience more about the specific allegations against him?
**Ronny Talapessy: ** While I won’t go into specifics as the legal process is still underway, I can say that we believe these charges are politically motivated and lack merit.
**Host:** PDI-P has been very vocal about links between these charges and Mr. Kristiyanto’s recent criticism of the Constitutional Court’s ruling allowing President Jokowi’s son to run for vice president. Can you elaborate on this claim?
**Ronny Talapessy:** We strongly believe that this inquiry is a direct response to Mr. Kristiyanto’s outspoken criticism of the ruling. He voiced his concerns about the potential conflicts of interest and the implications this decision has for Indonesia’s democracy. Shortly after, he was named a suspect. It raises serious questions about the independence of the KPK and the politicization of the legal system.
**Host:** You’ve stated that these charges are a form of intimidation. Who do you believe is behind this intimidation, and what is the intended purpose?
**Ronny Talapessy:**
We believe that certain powerful actors, who are uncomfortable with the PDI-P’s stance on this issue and Mr. Kristiyanto’s vocal criticism, are using the KPK as a tool to silence opposition. The purpose seems to be to intimidate not onyl Mr. Kristiyanto but also the PDI-P as a whole, and discourage any future dissent.
**Host:** The KPK has consistently maintained its independence and commitment to combating corruption. How do you reconcile these claims with yoru Party’s allegations of political influence?
**Ronny Talapessy:**
We respect the KPK’s mandate to fight corruption. However, we also believe institutions must operate with clarity and accountability. In this case, the timing of the investigation, coupled with Mr. Kristiyanto’s prior criticism, raises legitimate concerns about the KPK’s impartiality.
**Host:** What actions does the PDI-P plan to take in response to these charges?
**Ronny Talapessy:**
We will fully cooperate with the legal process and defend Mr. Kristiyanto’s rights. We will also continue to raise awareness about our concerns regarding the politicization of these charges. We believe that a fair and clear investigation is crucial to upholding the rule of law in Indonesia.
**Host:** Mr. Talapessy,thank you for sharing your perspective on this crucial matter.
**Ronny Talapessy:** Thank you for having me.
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**Host:** The PDI-P has strongly denied the allegations against Mr. Kristiyanto and, more broadly, has alleged political motivation behind these charges. Can you elaborate on these claims for our viewers?
**Ronny Talapessy:** Yes, indeed. We believe that labeling Mr. Kristiyanto a suspect in this bribery case is a form of intimidation aimed directly at the PDI-P. This sequence of events unfolded shortly after Mr. Kristiyanto publicly criticized a Constitutional Court ruling that favored the candidacy of President Widodo’s son. we see this as an attempt to silence critical voices within the political landscape and to weaken the PDI-P’s position.
**Host:** You mentioned the timing of these charges being suspicious. Could you provide more context for our viewers on the Constitutional Court ruling and Mr. Kristiyanto’s criticism?
**Ronny Talapessy:** The Constitutional Court’s decision allowed president Jokowi’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to run for vice president despite concerns regarding his limited political experience and the potential for conflicts of interest. Mr. Kristiyanto publicly expressed his strong disapproval of this ruling,arguing that it undermined democratic principles and set a hazardous precedent for nepotism in Indonesian politics.
**Host:** How dose the PDI-P connect this criticism to the current bribery allegations against Mr. Kristiyanto?
**Ronny Talapessy:** Quite simply, the timing is too coincidental to ignore. Shortly after Mr. Kristiyanto voiced his dissent, the KPK suddenly revived an inquiry that had been dormant for several years. This selective targeting of high-ranking PDI-P members raises serious questions about the impartiality of the KPK and whether political interests are influencing its actions.
**Host:** The KPK has strongly denied any political interference in this case.
**Ronny Talapessy:** While the KPK claims to be acting independently, we have witnessed inconsistencies that cast doubt on their assertions. For example, confidential documents related to the investigation were leaked to the public before Mr. Kristiyanto was officially notified, suggesting a deliberate attempt to sway public opinion and damage his reputation even before he had a chance to defend himself.
**Host:** What further evidence does the PDI-P have to support its claims of political motivation?
**Ronny Talapessy:** We have observed a coordinated smear campaign against Mr. Kristiyanto, with orchestrated rallies calling for his arrest and inflammatory rhetoric circulating on social media. This creates a climate of hostility and suspicion, making it even more difficult for him to receive a fair hearing.
**Host:** The KPK also alleges that Mr. Kristiyanto obstructed justice by instructing Harun Masiku,another PDI-P member allegedly involved in the bribery,to flee. What is the PDI-P’s response to this accusation?
**ronny Talapessy:** We firmly believe that this charge is a fabrication intended to further paint Mr. Kristiyanto in a negative light. We see no concrete evidence supporting the KPK’s claim, and we believe it is being used as a tactic to create a false narrative around his involvement.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Talapessy. This is clearly a complex and sensitive case with serious implications for Indonesian politics. We will continue to follow this story closely.
**Ronny Talapessy:** Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share the PDI-P’s perspective. We remain steadfast in our belief that the charges against Mr. Kristiyanto are politically motivated and we will continue to defend his innocence and fight for justice.
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