Whistleblower Alleges Premature Disclosure by Former KPK Head

A former investigator at Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has ignited a firestorm of controversy, alleging that ex-chairman firli Bahari deliberately undermined a crucial operation to apprehend Harun Masiku, a suspect in a high-profile corruption case. The accusations center around the premature disclosure of an impending OTT (Operation Catching Hands), possibly allowing key individuals to evade capture.

Testimony Highlights irregularities in Masiku Case

During a recent hearing, AKBP Rossa purbo Bekti, a former KPK investigator, testified that Firli Bahari unilaterally disseminated information about the planned OTT to Harun Masiku and Hasto Kristiyanto, the Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP). This revelation came during questioning about the tracking of Hasto’s mobile phone.

According to Rossa’s testimony, the surveillance data indicated a cessation of activity on Hasto’s phone shortly before the OTT details were leaked. This timeline raises serious questions about potential coordination and information sharing that may have compromised the operation.

Yes. At that time, we got word through the post that unilaterally the leadership of the KPK, Firli announced related to the existence of OTT… we also questioned at the time, while the position of these parties could not be secured, why it had been informed to the media, or released information related to OTT.

AKBP Rossa Purbo Bekti, Former KPK Investigator

Compromised operation and Unanswered Questions

Rossa further stated that the premature disclosure led to the replacement of members within his task force. Harun Masiku remains at large, highlighting the severe consequences of the alleged information leak. Hasto Kristiyanto was only named a suspect at the end of 2024, long after Rossa’s return to the case.

The implications of these allegations are meaningful, potentially undermining public trust in the KPK’s ability to effectively combat corruption. The current climate surrounding corruption in Indonesia is already fraught with challenges.According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index, Indonesia scored 34 out of 100, indicating a serious problem with perceived levels of corruption.

Calls for Examination and Accountability

these revelations have fueled widespread calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into Firli bahari’s actions. Critics argue that if the allegations are proven true, it would represent a grave breach of trust and a significant setback in the fight against corruption. The public demands accountability and transparency to ensure the integrity of the KPK and its mission.

Former KPK officials Demand Scrutiny of ex-Chairman’s Actions

Following testimony from AKBP Rossa, former investigators at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are intensifying calls for a thorough investigation into the actions of former chairman Firli Bahuri. Allegations center around the unauthorized dissemination of information related to sting operations (OTT) involving Harun masiku and Hasto Kristiyanto.

Yudi Purnomo Harahap,former KPK investigator”>

Yudi Purnomo Harahap, a former KPK investigator, stated that Rossa’s testimony has shed light on numerous irregularities surrounding Firli’s role in the Harun Masiku case. He emphasized the need to examine events both before, during, and after the arrest operation.

With the testimony of AKBP Rossa, our eyes are increasingly opened to the facts of the trial during the seconds before, during and after the arrest operation, so that irregularities can be used to then know.
Yudi Purnomo Harahap, Former KPK Investigator

Harahap urges the KPK to consolidate existing evidence and summon Firli for questioning, asserting that his involvement is a crucial aspect of the ongoing investigation. The focus should be on strengthening the evidence related to obstruction of justice, potentially originating from within the KPK itself.

Novel Baswedan Echoes Calls for Investigation, Highlights Potential Obstruction

Echoing Harahap’s sentiments, Novel Baswedan, another former senior KPK investigator, believes that Rossa’s testimony provides a crucial avenue for further investigation and case development. Baswedan suggests that the KPK should explore Firli’s motives for unilaterally releasing OTT information to the public.

With the disclosure at the trial, it means that later it can become a case development.
Novel Baswedan, Former Senior KPK Investigator

Baswedan raises the possibility of a larger, underlying case connected to Masiku and Hasto, questioning whether Firli bahuri engaged in obstruction of justice. He stresses the importance of the KPK demonstrating courage by summoning its former leader for questioning.

The Stakes: Transparency and Accountability in Anti-Corruption Efforts

The calls for investigation come at a critical time for the KPK, which has faced increasing scrutiny over its handling of high-profile corruption cases. According to a recent survey by Transparency International Indonesia, public trust in the KPK has declined by 15% in the past year, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability.

The Harun Masiku case, in particular, has been a persistent challenge for the KPK. masiku, a politician, has been at large since 2020 after being implicated in a bribery case related to a parliamentary seat. The alleged involvement of high-ranking officials in obstructing the investigation has further eroded public confidence.

The outcome of this investigation into Firli’s alleged actions could have significant implications for the KPK’s credibility and its ability to effectively combat corruption in Indonesia. The public is watching closely to see whether the commission will act decisively and transparently to address these serious allegations.

IM57+ Institute Urges Immediate Examination of Firli’s Conduct

Following explosive testimony, the IM57+ Institute is pressing the Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) to launch an immediate investigation into Firli Bahuri, the former anti-corruption chief, concerning allegations that he divulged information about planned arrest operations (OTT) targeting Hasto Kristiyanto and Harun Masiku. [[1]]

Lakso Anindito, Chairman of the IM57+ Institute, highlighted Firli’s history of meddling in cases he oversaw. This call to action comes in the wake of AKBP Rossa Purbo Bekti’s statements during a recent hearing, suggesting Firli leaked details of the planned operations in 2019. [[3]]

This fact is not surprising as in mode of operation in harmony with the current status of the suspect Firli in the Regional Police where Firli is suspected of making a conditioning effort in other cases by asking for rewards.
Lakso Anindito, Chairman of IM57+ Institute

A Pattern of Interference?

Anindito pointed out that Firli’s alleged actions are consistent with his past behavior. He recalled that during Firli’s tenure as a deputy for action, numerous investigators and KPK employees petitioned for his dismissal, accusing him of obstructing case handling processes. [[2]]

The public needs to remember that when it was still a deputy for action, Firli had also been encouraged to be dismissed through the petition of investigators, investigators and KPK employees because it was blocking the case handling process.It means that if Firli did the same thing in the Hasto case it was only a repetition of modus operandi.
Lakso anindito,Chairman of IM57+ Institute

This history raises serious concerns about a potential pattern of interference and abuse of power within the KPK.

Demands for a New Investigation into Corruption Cases

Lakso emphasized the necessity for the KPK to act on Rossa’s testimony by initiating a fresh investigation. He believes there is sufficient preliminary evidence to suggest Firli’s involvement in disrupting the KPK’s investigation into the Masiku case. The masiku case, involving allegations of bribery related to a legislative seat, has been a long-standing challenge for the KPK.

Anindito argued that the KPK should not hesitate to investigate individuals, even former members of the agency. He noted that the KPK has previously handled corruption cases involving its own personnel, demonstrating its commitment to accountability.

This fact needs to be followed up through an investigation. The KPK should not only issue an investigation order but an investigation of this case as preliminary evidence is adequate.
Lakso anindito,Chairman of IM57+ Institute

The Broader Implications of Corruption

The call for an investigation into Firli underscores the critical importance of maintaining integrity within the KPK. As the nation’s primary anti-corruption body, its credibility is paramount. Any suspicion of internal corruption erodes public trust and undermines the fight against corruption. Recent surveys indicate a growing public concern over corruption levels, highlighting the urgency for decisive action.

Anindito asserted that investigating Firli is imperative, especially given his former position as the leader of the KPK. He stressed that corruption at such a high level has far-reaching consequences.

For this reason, an investigation of Firli is a must by the KPK. Moreover, firli is the leader of the KPK who has a broader impact when corruption.The fact of this session is enough to open an investigation.
Lakso Anindito, Chairman of IM57+ Institute

Mounting Calls for Investigation into Alleged Information Leak

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is facing increasing pressure to investigate allegations that its former chairman, Firli Bahuri, deliberately leaked information regarding ongoing sting operations (OTT) targeting key figures, including suspects in high-profile corruption cases. These calls come amidst concerns that such actions may have compromised investigations and potentially aided fugitives.

Harun al-Rasyid’s Perspective: A Systematic Effort to Undermine KPK?

Harun al-Rasyid, a former senior investigator at the KPK, has voiced strong concerns regarding Firli Bahuri’s actions. Al-Rasyid, known for his success in conducting OTTs during his tenure, believes that Firli’s alleged unilateral dissemination of information related to the arrest operations targeting individuals like Masiku and Hasto Kristiyanto suggests a deliberate and systematic effort to disrupt the KPK’s investigative work.

The testimony of AKBP Rossa is very significant as an effort to open the veil as clearly as possible how the pioneering efforts have been made by the parties at that time… And that’s the true thing that should be done by an honest and high integrity investigator.
Harun al-rasyid, Former KPK Senior Investigator

Al-Rasyid emphasizes the importance of testimony from figures like AKBP Rossa, viewing it as crucial to uncovering the full extent of the alleged sabotage. He argues that a thorough investigation is necessary to determine Firli’s motives and whether his actions were intended to benefit specific parties.

The Core Allegation: Premature Disclosure and potential Sabotage

The central allegation revolves around Firli Bahuri’s supposed premature disclosure of OTT information while KPK teams were still actively working to apprehend all involved parties. Critics argue that this early release of information could have alerted targets, allowing them to evade capture and potentially destroy evidence. This is particularly concerning given the ongoing efforts to combat corruption, which, according to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perception Index, remains a significant challenge in Indonesia.

The testimony apparently also revealed the existence of a very systematic effort made by Firli Bahuri as the Chairperson of the KPK who announced the existence of OTT in a very short time while the team was struggling in the field to equalize the parties involved and must be secured promptly.
Harun al-Rasyid, Former KPK Senior Investigator

Al-Rasyid suggests that Firli’s actions were not merely coincidental but rather part of a calculated strategy to undermine the KPK’s effectiveness. He urges the KPK to investigate whether Firli intentionally divulged information to benefit those being targeted by the investigation.

Potential Consequences: Obstruction of justice?

Al-Rasyid argues that if the investigation reveals that Firli intentionally distributed OTT information to aid those being pursued by the KPK, the commission must be prepared to name him as a suspect in obstruction of justice. This would send a strong message that no one, irrespective of their former position, is above the law.

If in the end after an examination of Firli Bahuri it was concluded that what had been done was a scenario to divulge to other parties that were being hunted by the KPK team, the KPK could determine the person concerned as a suspect in the efforts of the investigation.
Harun al-Rasyid, Former KPK Senior Investigator

KPK’s Response: Awaiting Further Developments

As of now, the KPK has acknowledged the concerns raised and stated that they are carefully considering the available information.The commission’s spokesperson, Budi Prasetyo, has indicated that the KPK is committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in its operations. However, no official statement has been made regarding a formal investigation into Firli Bahuri’s alleged actions. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the KPK’s next steps and whether it will launch a full-scale investigation into these serious allegations.

Prioritizing the Hasto Case

The KPK has stated that its immediate priority remains the ongoing legal proceedings against Hasto Kristiyanto (referred to as “Brother HK” in KPK statements), who faces charges related to bribery and obstruction of justice. this decision comes as external pressures intensify for the commission to also scrutinize Firli Bahuri, a former KPK chairman, over separate allegations.

KPK’s Stance: evidence-Based Approach

According to KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo,the prosecution team is meticulously reviewing all witness testimonies presented during the Hasto trial. This information, he emphasized, will be crucial in building a solid case against the defendant. The KPK’s approach underscores a commitment to due process and reliance on concrete evidence in pursuing corruption charges.

at present the KPK Prosecutor (Public Prosecutor) will still focus on proof of the case with the defendant Brother HK.
Budi Prasetyo, KPK Spokesperson

Witness Statements Under Scrutiny

Every statement made by witnesses during the trial is being carefully analyzed to identify potential leads and strengthen the prosecution’s arguments. This thorough examination of evidence is a standard practice in complex corruption cases, ensuring that all relevant information is considered before reaching a verdict.

These information will certainly be enrichment of information for the prosecutor in the trial process of alleged bribery cases and investigations with the defendant Brother HK.
Budi Prasetyo, KPK Spokesperson

The Broader Context: anti-Corruption Efforts in Indonesia

The KPK’s current caseload reflects the ongoing challenges in combating corruption within Indonesia. Recent data indicates that corruption cases continue to plague various sectors, highlighting the need for sustained and robust anti-corruption measures. While the KPK faces scrutiny and political pressure, its role remains vital in upholding the rule of law and promoting good governance.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Priorities

While the KPK is currently focused on the Hasto case, the pressure to investigate Firli Bahuri is unlikely to dissipate. The commission will eventually need to address these allegations, balancing its existing caseload with the need to maintain public trust and ensure accountability at all levels.the handling of both cases will be critical in shaping public perception of the KPK’s impartiality and effectiveness.