Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) has reported that corruption cases during the era of President Jokowi cost the country at least Rp290 trillion (approximately $18.7 billion). This statement was made by Yassar Aulia, a representative of ICW’s Political Corruption Division, during a protest held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, as reported by Tempo.co. This statement comes just weeks before President Widodo is set to leave office.
“Jokowi has allowed the country to be looted by corrupt officials, resulting in losses of at least Rp 290 trillion,” Yassar said during the 836th “Aksi Kamisan” (Thursday Action), a weekly human rights protest held in front of the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta.
Yassar emphasized that several ministers trusted by President Widodo were involved in corruption cases throughout his presidency. Six ministers have been convicted and jailed for corruption during Widodo’s leadership: Syahrul Yasin Limpo (Agriculture), Johnny G. Plate (Communications and Informatics), Juliari Batubara (Social Affairs), Edhy Prabowo (Fisheries and Maritime Affairs), Idrus Marham (Social Affairs), and Imam Nahrawi (Youth and Sports).
Yassar pointed out that President Jokowi’s legacy on corruption extends beyond mere statistics, noting that the governance ecosystem developed over the past decade has effectively returned Indonesia to a level of corruption reminiscent of the New Order era.
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He argued that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was significantly weakened during Jokowi’s presidency. “It was under Jokowi that the KPK was dismantled,” Yassar remarked, referencing Jokowi’s controversial decision to allow the dismissal of dozens of KPK employees, many of whom were considered progressive and critical of government corruption, through a nationalist “civic knowledge” test.
Further underscoring the irony of the situation, Yassar highlighted that, during President Jokowi’s administration, former KPK chairman Firli Bahuri was himself arrested on corruption charges. Firli is accused of extorting money from a former defense minister, who was also implicated in a corruption case.
Indonesia Corruption Watch report on corruption during President Jokowi era comes at a critical juncture as Indonesia reflects on President Jokowi’s legacy, with the issue of corruption remaining a pressing concern for many as the country prepares for a leadership transition.
(Raidi/Agung)
