This is the first time that the head of Indonesia’s anti-corruption body has been accused of the crime that the agency was created to police.
Firli, a former police inspector general, has not been arrested.
He did not immediately respond to a request for comment but said in a press conference on Monday prior to being named a suspect that he has “never extorted anyone, and I’ve never been involved in a bribery … with anyone”.
He could face life in prison if found guilty on bribery charges.
The anti-corruption body’s deputy commissioner insisted the agency’s work had not been affected by the allegations.
“The KPK leadership … remains solid and committed to ensure the KPK will continue carrying out its duties as mandated by the KPK law,” Alexander Marwata told reporters Thursday, adding that Bahuri has not been removed from his post.
President Joko Widodo said on Thursday “to respect the process of law” when asked about Firli being named a suspect.
Firli was named the KPK chief in 2019, around the same time critics said changes to the law governing the agency had weakened it, triggering a series of “save the KPK” protests.
KPK has prosecuted hundreds of politicians, officials and businessmen since its formation in 2002, becoming one of the country’s most respected agencies.
In 2021, a former social affairs minister was jailed for 12 years after being convicted of taking US$1.2 million in bribes linked to food aid for poor families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Source: CNA
