BNPB Pledges Cooperation After Official Caught in KPK Sting Operation

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) respects the legal process being carried out by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) against an official detained in a sting operation.

Berton Panjaitan, head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre, said the agency also upheld the presumption of innocence.

“BNPB is committed to co-operating and will provide data support and access to the information required, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” Berton said when contacted on Tuesday (13 October).

He said BNPB would not interfere in any way with the investigation and inquiry being conducted by the KPK.

“BNPB’s leadership has instructed the Inspectorate General to conduct an internal review and secure documents as part of its internal oversight,” he said.

Berton added that BNPB’s leadership had urged all staff to remain focused on disaster response and humanitarian duties and not to be distracted by the ongoing legal proceedings.

“BNPB reaffirms its commitment to strengthening governance, integrity and internal oversight,” he said.

The KPK was earlier reported to have carried out a sting operation targeting an official at BNPB.

According to information received by CNNIndonesia.com, KPK investigators also seized around Rp1.5 billion during the operation.

KPK chairman Setyo Budiyanto confirmed that the commission had conducted an operation.

“It is true that KPK staff carried out a field operation,” Setyo said.