Underhanded Moves

We must marvel at the audacity of several members of the House of Representatives (DPR). At a time when people demand the toughest penalties for corruptors, these lawmakers promote an agenda entirely at odds with such aspirations. They clearly intend to subvert the law on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)which has proven to be very effective as a legal basis to fight corruption.

The effort to weaken the KPK is an old song that has been passed from regime to regime since the reform process created it in 2003. But the proposal launched by 15 legislators from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Golkar, the National Awakening Party (PAN), the United Development Party (PPP), National Democrats and Hanura Party at a meeting of the Legislation Committee last month pulled no punches. Not only do they want to ban the KPK from wiretappingunless it is authorized by a judgethey also want to limit its 'lifespan' to 12 years from the time the bill is enacted.