TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Miko Ginting of the Center for Indonesian Law and Policy Studies said judge Sarpin Rizaldi’s decision to grant Budi Gunawan’s lawsuit would not affect President Joko Widodo's authority as to whether or not the president would inaugurate Budi as the National Police chief. According to him, Jokowi has two reasons to cancel Budi Gunawan’s inauguration.
“Budi Gunawan’s legal process is not over yet although the pre-trial has nullified Budi Gunawan’s status as suspect,” said Miko.
He continued that pre-trial ruling disqualified Budi Gunawan’s position as state official and law enforcer. However, Budi Gunawan’s graft allegations have not been proven. “The KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) can still name Budi Gunawan a suspect.”
The KPK also has considered an appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the ruling. Therefore, Budi Gunawan’s legal process is still afoot, he added.
The second reason is that Budi Gunawan’s inauguration will cause the public to lose their trust in Jokowi. Jokowi inaugurating Budi Gunawan would mean that the former had turned a blind eye to public trust, ethics and moral in making decisions, he said.
The KPK had named Budi Gunawan a graft suspect for allegedly having fat bank account and receiving bribes when he was the National Police's career development bureau chief in 2003-2006 and in several other positions in the force.
In 2010, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) also noted irregularities in Budi’s bank accounts.
MUHAMMAD MUHYIDDIN | SYAILENDRA
