JAKARTA, LEGAL LITERACY - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) denied claims that the confiscation of the mobile phone belonging to the Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Hasto Kristiyanto, which was being held by his assistant, Kusnadi, was not in accordance with procedure. The KPK explained that the confiscation was part of an effort to collect evidence related to alleged corruption in the Harun Masiku case.

On Monday evening (10/6/2024), Kusnadi's legal counsel reported the KPK investigator, Police Commissioner Rossa Purbo Bekti, to the KPK Supervisory Board (Dewas) for alleged unprofessionalism and ethical violations in the search and seizure of evidence belonging to Kusnadi and Hasto. The report will be followed up on Tuesday (11/6/2024) because the KPK Supervisory Board was closed when the report was submitted.

Confiscation According to Provisions

A member of the KPK spokesperson team, Budi Prasetyo, on Monday in Jakarta, explained that investigators were collecting information from Hasto regarding the Harun Masiku case. During the examination, Hasto stated that his communication device was with his staff, so the investigator summoned the staff and confiscated evidence in the form of a mobile phone, notes, and Hasto's agenda.

Budi emphasized that the confiscation was in accordance with applicable regulations and accompanied by a warrant for confiscation. The investigator will reschedule the examination of Hasto. Budi also denied claims that Hasto was left to get cold in the examination room, stating that Hasto was given the opportunity to read and correct the minutes of the examination (BAP).

Alleged Abuse of Authority

Hasto's legal counsel, Ronny Talapessy and Johannes Tobing, reported the KPK investigator, Commissioner Rossa Purbo Bekti, to the KPK Supervisory Board because he was considered unprofessional in searching and confiscating evidence. They are also preparing a pre-trial lawsuit at the South Jakarta District Court on the grounds that the investigator's actions against Hasto's staff were considered a fatal mistake.

Ronny stated that Kusnadi was like being set up and emphasized that the confiscation must be accompanied by permission from the local district court in accordance with Article 38 of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). According to him, the situation at that time was not in a state of emergency because Kusnadi was accompanying Hasto and was not a fugitive.

KPK Reaction

The KPK respects Hasto's legal counsel's right to report alleged ethical violations to the KPK Supervisory Board. Budi emphasized that all examination processes were carried out in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and applicable mechanisms.

Pre-Trial Preparation

In addition to reporting to the KPK Supervisory Board, Hasto's legal counsel is also preparing a pre-trial lawsuit against the investigator's actions which are considered not in accordance with procedure. They hope that the KPK Supervisory Board will immediately examine Rossa regarding alleged serious ethical violations.