Ina Parlina, Jakarta – Amid credibility questions, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) appointed a Muslim scholar and a seasoned lawyer to probe four of its top leaders accused of ethics violations.
"We are here to answer public criticism on the composition of the ethics board. We have decided to add two more members from outside the commission: 'Buya' Ahmad Syafii Ma'arif and Nono Anwar Makarim," KPK adviser and ethics board chief Abdullah Hehamahua told reporters on Monday.
Ma'arif was previously chairman of Muhammadiyah, the Muslim social group known for promoting pluralism in Indonesia, and part of a group of religious leaders who issued a public critique of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration. Nono is a noted lawyer and a former advisor to the KPK's selection team.
The pair replaced KPK chief Busyro Muqoddas and deputy chief Haryono Umar, who resigned from the ethics board after fugitive graft suspect Muhammad Nazaruddin alleged that they conspired with him to manipulate his case.
"Busyro and Haryono quit the team to give the board to include more outsiders as members," Abdullah said. "The new board still has seven members, but the structure has changed to include four outsiders and three KPK officials." The board was previously comprised of two independent scholars and five KPK officials, including the commission's leaders and advisers.
KPK deputy chief Bibit Samad Riyanto, along with Abdullah and adviser Said Zainal Abidin, remain on the board, along with two external representatives: University of Indonesia professor Mardjono Reksodiputro and former KPK leader, Sjahruddin Rasul.
Said added that the move was made to maintain the KPK's independence amid critics who said that a majority of the ethics board should be externally appointed.
The antigraft body is now under scrutiny following allegations that its leaders engaged in graft. Nazaruddin, a former Democratic Party politician, alleged that he met with several KPK officials including deputy chairman Chandra M. Hamzah, enforcement deputy Insp. Gen. Ade Rahardja, spokesman Johan Budi and investigator Adj. Sr. Comr. Roni Samtana to discuss several cases involving Democratic Party politicians.
The board is set to have its first meeting on Thursday to identify problems, sort out information – including news reports – and later to set a timetable for questioning witnesses.
"We will check all related parties. Nazaruddin allegedly met Chandra, Johan, Ade, as well as another KPK deputy chief, Haryono Umar, and secretary-general Bambang Sapto Pratomosunu," Said told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.
The team would also question deputy chief Mochammad Jasin, who was also mentioned by Nazaruddin, he said. "We will also question Roni who is currently undergoing police training, and of course Ade," he said.
Roni and Ade were seconded from the National Police to work as investigators for the KPK in 2005. Roni's assignment to the KPK is slated to finish in 2013; Ade's tenure is expected to end when he retires from the National Police in August.
Chandra, Jasin, Roni and Ade were previously mentioned in bribery allegations fabricated by businessman Anggodo Widjojo in 2009, who claimed he paid KPK officials to stall the investigation of his brother, Anggoro Widjojo, who was implicated in a Forestry Ministry procurement scandal in 2007.