Celvin Moniaga Sipahutar, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday sought to dispel speculation of tensions between Indonesia's top law enforcement agencies, declaring that the National Police and the Attorney General's Office remain united despite the ongoing corruption investigation involving former senior prosecutor Febrie Adriansyah.
Speaking at the launch of a nationwide program for 62,000 subsidized homes in Batang, Central Java, Prabowo pointedly highlighted the presence of Attorney General ST Burhanuddin and National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who were seated side by side during the event.
"Today, let the media see everything. Everything is fine. Everyone is smiling. The attorney general and the police chief are sitting together," Prabowo said, drawing laughter from the audience.
The president's remarks came as public attention remains focused on the handling of corruption allegations against Febrie, the former deputy attorney general for special crimes. The case, initially investigated by the National Police, has since been transferred to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution.
Prabowo dismissed suggestions of discord within Indonesia's law enforcement institutions, saying cooperation remains strong at both the national and regional levels.
"The regional police chiefs and chief prosecutors also work well together," he said. "I'm only joking today. The president is allowed to joke, but we must remain serious."
The case involving Febrie has become one of Indonesia's most closely watched corruption investigations this year.
Earlier this month, Febrie resigned after being named a corruption suspect following police searches linked to alleged graft involving coal procurement at state electricity company PLN, the state insurer Asabri, and bribery at state-owned steelmaker Krakatau Steel.
Investigators said they discovered 74 kilograms of gold bullion and millions of dollars in cash concealed in a hidden cabinet at one of Febrie's homes during the searches. Febrie acknowledged ownership of the property but denied the gold and cash belonged to him.
The investigation sparked widespread public debate and prompted celebrity lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea to initially represent Febrie. Hotman argued that his client had made significant contributions to recovering state assets during his tenure at the Attorney General's Office.
However, Hotman later withdrew from the case, citing the need to recover from spinal surgery. Before stepping aside, he publicly apologized to Prabowo, Attorney General Burhanuddin and senior police officials for earlier remarks that referenced the president, saying his comments had been made solely in his capacity as legal counsel and carried no political intent.