The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has a new captain: Agus Rahardjo. Together with his co-chairpersons-Basaria Panjaitan, Saut Situmorang, Alexander Marwata and Laode Muhammad Syarif-Agus, 59, was sworn in by President Joko Widodo on December 21, 2015, following his selection by the Law Committee of the House of Representatives (DPR). He got 44 votes, while Basaria got 9 votes and Saut one vote.
The National Police Crime Investigation Division (Bareskrim) has come under the public spotlight for its questionable actions. Recently, the national ombudsman found that the Bareskrim had mishandled the case of Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator Novel Baswedan, who has been charged over a crime he allegedly committed years ago.
Busyro Muqoddas claims he felt relieved he wasn't chosen to be a leader of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), being well-aware of the political reasons behind the selection of the new KPK leaders for the 2015-2019 period. He assumes that the reason he was not selected may have been his hard questions on the lawmakers and his strong opposition to the proposed revisions to Law No. 30/2002 on the KPK.
The name Iko Uwais began to grab public attention since his first film Merantau ('Sojourn') was screened in movie theaters around the country. Then, one after another, the films he starred in made it into the market, like The Raid: Redemption and The Raid 2: Berandal. Both films, directed by Gareth Evans, were quite successful in the United States and Europe.
No matter where he is posted, Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso always seems to be in the news, as he is doing in his current position as head of the National Narcotics Board (BNN). Barely four months on the job, his statement on drug offenders has led to contentious and prolonged public polemic. He floated the idea of a special prison for those convicted of drug dealing and drug use to be located on an island surrounded by crocodile-infested waters. "I'm serious. This is not a joke," he said.
Aircraft manufacturer Dirgantara Indonesia has made known its disappointment at the government's plan to purchase an Agusta Westland AW101 helicopter, manufactured by British company Westland Helicopters jointly with Agusta from Italy. Ordered by the Indonesian Air Force, the plan became a hot topic public debate when it was reported that it was to become President Joko Widodo's mode of transportation when he goes on his blusukan, or unscheduled inspection trips, around the country.
Attorney-General Prasetyo emerged carrying a copy of a three-week-old Tempo, bearing a picture of Surya Paloh on its cover. "I'm being persecuted," he said before throwing the magazine on the desk. Prasetyo burst out in frustration over the corruption case of North Sumatra social welfare funds and grants, in which he has been implicated. The case was Tempo's cover story that week.
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