Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has expressed support for President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to imprison corrupt officials on remote islands as part of a tougher anti-graft crackdown.
KPK Deputy Chairman Johanis Tanak went a step further, suggesting that the government should not provide food for convicted corruptors during their incarceration. Instead, he proposed that inmates be given farming tools to cultivate their own food.
“The government doesn’t need to supply food for them just provide farming equipment so they can grow crops in fields or rice paddies and sustain themselves through their own labor,” Johanis said in a written statement on Tuesday (March 18), as reported by CNN Indonesia.
Calls for Tougher Sentences
Under Indonesia’s Anti-Corruption Law, certain offenses still carry a minimum sentence of just one year (Article 3). To increase deterrence, Johanis also advocated for longer prison sentences, proposing a minimum of 10 years behind bars for corruption offenses.
“The punishment for corruption should be harsher, with a minimum sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment. Hopefully, this would make people think twice before engaging in corruption,” he said.
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KPK spokesperson Tessa Mahardhika Sugiarto reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Prabowo’s anti-corruption efforts, including his proposal to detain corrupt officials on isolated islands.
“KPK will always support the president’s initiatives to fight corruption. However, we will ensure that any implementation aligns with the existing legal framework,” Tessa said.
Prabowo’s Hardline Stance on Corruption
Prabowo previously stated that he was considering building a high-security prison on a remote island specifically for corrupt officials.
“I will set aside funds for a prison in a remote area. They won’t be able to escape. We’ll find an island. If they try to flee, let them meet the sharks,” he said during an event at Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture on Thursday (March 13).
The president warned that widespread corruption could lead the country to ruin and vowed to take extreme measures if necessary. “They should understand that I am ready to die for this country. I am not afraid of any mafia,” said Prabowo.
He further blamed corrupt officials for harming teachers, doctors, nurses, and farmers, declaring that they should be banished from Indonesia if needed. “Corruptors are the ones making life difficult for teachers, doctors, nurses, and farmers. If necessary, we will expel them from Indonesia,” he stated.
(Raidi/Agung)
