The Commissioner of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri asserted that KPK’s authority did not get reduced by the new law. In fact, strengthening can be done in preventing corruption without losing the spirit of prosecution and law enforcement.

"During the new leadership, KPK has issued 51 investigations, 21 new warrants for investigations, detained 18 suspects, and named 28 people as suspects," he explained. This was stated by Firli during the welcoming address of the visit of the German Embassy to KPK last Friday (6/3).

In that occasion, the German Ambassador Peter Schoof, Counsellors, Development Cooperation German Embassy Rafael Teck, Politics, German Embassy Inga Tessendorf, German Embassy Amanda, and Principal Advisor, APCC, GIZ Fransisca Silalahi were also present.

Firli added that the efforts made in the corruption prevention field have been integrated with the prosecution field which makes it more effective and efficient. "Prevention efforts are done by improving bureaucracy and public services as well as enhancing the culture of anti-corruption."

There are at least three focus points of corruption prevention conducted by KPK. The first is public service and trade system. The second includes the management of the state budget (APBN), regional budget (APBD), and loans. The third covers law enforcement and bureaucratic reform.

"To achieve this, KPK cannot work alone. KPK always involves friendly nations, including Germany, "said Firli.

As we have already known, the Governments of Germany and Indonesia are partners in eradicating corruption. The German Ambassador, Peter Schoof, said the most important thing was the fact that both Germany and Indonesia made corruption eradication a priority. Additionally, KPK has a good reputation in the eyes of the world.

"This has increased the credibility of Indonesia, and Germany of course, (we) feel proud to be part of this success. KPK must continue this success in eradicating corruption," remarked Peter Schoof.

The German Government's collaboration with KPK through the Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) so far has been in the field of Prevention. Germany has received additional funding until 2024 to support the corruption prevention work done by KPK.