Taufiq Siddiq, Jakarta – Indonesian Police (Polri) Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said the police are still postponing the legal proceedings for regional head candidates facing legal cases during the election process. The reason is to avoid the assumption that the police being used as political tools.
"We are worried the case might be used by the candidates to impose each other's electability," said Tito Karnavian at Polri Headquarters, Trunojoyo, South Jakarta, Tuesday, March 27.
However, the delay does not apply to those involving election crimes and sting operations conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
According to Tito, if the legal procedure keeps running during the election process, it will likely cause public outcry and might be exploited by certain parties. He objected his agency to be called as a political tool to bring down political opponents of regional head candidates.
The Police has issued a circular letter related to the delay in the investigation of regional head candidates indicated to be involved in corruption cases. Tito Karnavian stated the decision is one of the efforts to create stable conditions during the election process.