"I believe the idea (of reducing the KPK`s authority) is still merely talk and come from just a few people. Hopefully, it would not lead to weakening the KPK`s power," Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Denny Indrayana said.
Semarang, C. Java (ANTARA News) - Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Denny Indrayana has warned against reducing the authority of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), saying that a strong KPK is still needed in the country.

"I believe the idea (of reducing the KPK`s authority) is still merely talk and come from just a few people. Hopefully, it would not lead to weakening the KPK`s power," he said here on Monday.

The former presidential special aide for law, human rights and corruption eradication affairs said he remains positive that the idea to revise the KPK law was not aimed at weakening the KPK, because the KPK should not be weakened but must be strengthened even more.

He said if efforts were found later to weaken the KPK in the revision of Law Number 30, 2002 on the KPK, he would then try to convince parliament that Indonesia still needs a strong KPK.

"If there is a tendency for efforts to weaken the KPK, we will later, in discussions with the DPR (parliament), try to convince them that a strong KPK is still needed," he said.

Denny said KPK investigative powers, such as prosecuting and wiretapping, must not be removed.

"If the powers of prosecuting, such as wiretapping and enforcing are eradicated, well I think it is not right," he said.

Several members of the House of Representatives Commission III dealing with law enforcement affairs have left for Australia and France to conduct a comparative study in connection with the idea of revising the law on the KPK.

The two countries have been chosen because they are considered to have been successful in the eradication of corruption. The results of the study would be used for the revision of the law on KPK, which is planned to be completed this year.

In its efforts to eradicate corruption in the country, the KPK has sent many people to jail, including former ministers, provincial governors and parliamentary members.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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