M. Rizki Yusrial, Jakarta – Researcher at the Center for Anticorruption Studies at Gadjah Mada University (Pukat UGM), Zaenur Rohman, said the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) must immediately resolve the corruption case involving former Chair of the the House of Representatives (DPR), Setya Novanto.
The former House Speaker was granted parole at Cipinang Penitentiary on August 16, 2025.
"It is a debt that KPK owes. No matter how long it takes, KPK should finish this case," Zaenur told Tempo on Monday, August 18, 2025.
According to Zaenur, KPK must pursue other individuals implicated in the case besides Novanto. He mentioned Paulus Tannos, also known as Thian Po Tjhin, who has yet to be extradited to Indonesia.
"This sets a bad precedent if cases like this remain unresolved," he said.
Zaenur added that other DPR members were listed in the indictment and suspected of involvement. He argued that leaving them untouched weakens the deterrent effect of corruption cases.
Setya Novanto, convicted in the E-KTP corruption scandal, was conditionally released from Sukamiskin Penitentiary in Bandung, West Java.
"Yes, it is true that Setya Novanto was released yesterday. He was granted parole after his sentence was reduced from 15 years to 12.5 years," said Kusnali, Head of the West Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections, as quoted by Antara on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Kusnali confirmed that the parole complied with regulations, as Novanto had served two-thirds of his reduced sentence. "Based on the two-thirds calculation, he was granted parole on August 16, 2025," he said.
Minister of Immigration and Penitentiary, Agus Andrianto, said Novanto's release had passed the necessary assessment.
"Yes, he was paroled because it went through the assessment process, and based on the result of the judicial review, it was already overdue. It should have been on the 25th of July," Agus stated at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Agus added that Novanto no longer needed to report to Sukamiskin Penitentiary as he had already paid a subsidiary fine. "The judicial review decision shortened his sentence," Agus said.
– Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to the writing of this article.