Jakarta – Some 550 Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) officials voiced their concern on Thursday over recent attempts to weaken the Commission.

They gathered after holding a ceremony to observe the Pancasila Day and said they could not work peacefully anymore. "We ask President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to stop any attempts to weaken KPK," deputy for corruption prevention, Eko Tjiptadi read from a statement.

They also asked the president to maintain the KPK's independence. KPK spokesman Johan Budi said the statement would be sent to the president today.

The KPK chairman and two deputies were arrested for alleged involvement in two different crimes.