Amir Tejo – The nation's corruption fighters called on the government to postpone its issuance of the new criminal code, which it claimed would hamper the organization's efforts to crack down of graft.

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy chairman Busyro Muqoddas said the new criminal code currently discussed by Commission III of the House of Representatives, overseeing legal affairs, would include corruption.

He said corruption should be classified as an extraordinary crime and therefore the legal instruments used to handle the case should be extraordinary as well. "If corruption is included in the new criminal code it will be an ordinary crime," he said.

Busyro also criticized the government and the House for not including the KPK and other stakeholders while drafting and discussing the new criminal code.

"This is such an important discussion. It would be wonderful if the government and the House of Representatives invited us. If we were invited, we would not come alone. We would ask civil society to come along. But the fact is, we are not invited," he said.

Busyro said though KPK was not invited to the discussion, the antigraft body could still give input on the criminal code. He said the KPK and academics would study the bill and submit their opinions to the House.

Busyo said the KPK's request to postpone the endorsement of the new criminal code was not aimed at challenging the government and the House. Instead the body only wanted to be considered a partner who could ensure that the new criminal code would not endanger ongoing corruption eradication programs.

"If that happens, the government and the House would suffer public distrust," he said.

Airlangga University legal analyst Nur Basuki said the new criminal code could limit the KPK's authority and restrict its power to handle corruption cases. The new criminal code has also drawn criticism for potentially endangering the witness protection agency.