KPK Does Not Monopolize the Administration of Corruption Cases in Regions

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) does not want to be seen as monopolizing the management of corruption cases. It provides opportunities for the police and attorney general's office to oversee regional corruption cases, for example in the province of Bengkulu. This point was conveyed to journalists by an advisor to KPK, Suryohadi Djulianto in the concluding remarks to an opening address for a KPK workshop. The workshop was related to the role of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in carrying out tasks and functions in the public's interest, Monday (3/11) in the Paripurna hearing room DPRD, region of Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu.

“KPK do not wish to be considered a monopoly in administering corruption cases. Especially in the regions, we welcome the police and attorney general's office's administration.” said Suryohadi.

However, he said if the police and attorney general's office do not have the capacity or capability, or if the case is a high priority, KPK will assume management of the case. Suryohadi also explained that KPK has limited personnel. Approximately 500 staff are employed by KPK and around 50 of these are investigators.

By running the workshop KPK intended to increase the role and function of parliament. Action in this area is required because a number of expert studies indicate that many members of parliament still do not understand their tasks or fail to adequately coordinate their tasks. “How do they intend to create a prosperous society for the people when they themselves lack direction?,” Suryohadi asked.

There are three tasks of parliament, Suryohadi explained, legislation, budget planning, and monitoring. “In terms of budget planning, the council has not reflected the aspirations of the people. Moreover the monitoring of implementation of the budget is ineffective,” said Suryohadi.

It is hoped that through activities such as these members of regional parliaments can properly understand their tasks and functions. To date there has been a inclination for members of the council to primarily focus on the interests of their parties rather than the interests of the public. “These findings were a result of research by community based institutions,” he said.

He further explained that these criticisms did not originate from KPK, but from well known professors of tertiary institutions that understand the correct tasks and functions of parliamentarians.

Source : Pelita, 05 November 2008