Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Agency KPK Apologized After Revealing Military Officer's Alleged Bribery Case

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Last week, the head of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Vice Marshall Henri Alfiandi was named as a suspect by the anti-corruption agency (KPK). The air vice marshall was allegedly involved in taking bribery for projects.

Lt. Colonel Administration Afri Budi Cahyanto who serves as a coordinator in Basarnas also became a suspect after being caught in KPK's Red-Handed Operation.

But KPK decided to publicly apologize after the military police criticized the agency. The military police have argued Henri's case should not be handled by a civil agency like KPK.

On Friday (28/7), Central Commander of Military Police Vice Marshall Agung Handoko visited KPK's office in Jakarta. And one of KPK leaders subsequently apologized.

Johanis Tanak, deputy leader of KPK, blamed his investigators for the slip that resulted in catching members of Indonesia National Army (TNI).

"We understand that our investigation team may have a lapse, forgetfulness, that is the involvement of TNI should be submitted to TNI, not ours to handle," said Johanis.

"Therefore we convey this lapse. We are asking for forgiveness," the former prosecutor added. Internal source from KPK later admitted Johanis was intimidated, so he apologized.

Vice Marshall Agung Handoko said the KPK should have consulted the military first. But Agung expected that KPK at least had informed the military before arresting their target.

A spokesperson of TNI Vice Admiral Julius Widjojono said that the military will not protect any members who violate the laws, but he also believes that military issues should not be handled by a civil agency as that would break the law.

"The law enforcement must be enforced, but not by breaking the law itself, not to mention this violation was done by a law enforcement," said Julius.