Expert Urges Probe into Ex-Jampidsus's Role in Forest Area Task Force
Jakarta - Public policy and political economy expert Faisal Lohy has suggested that the investigation into former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah should include an examination of his role as Chairman of the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH).
“Law enforcement officials need to examine whether there is a connection between the authority held within the Satgas PKH structure and the alleged criminal acts being investigated,” Faisal said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.
He stated that if investigators find indications of money laundering, the development of the case should not stop at the alleged predicate crime, but must also trace the flow of funds, assets, and parties suspected of being the beneficial owners of those assets.
Faisal also encouraged the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to participate in handling the case or even take it over if it meets the provisions stipulated in Law Number 19 of 2019 concerning the Corruption Eradication Commission. According to him, the KPK’s involvement is necessary if there is a potential conflict of interest or if the case handling requires stronger independence.
Furthermore, he expressed hope that President Prabowo Subianto would pay attention to the law enforcement process in this case. The commitment to eradicating corruption that the President has consistently conveyed, he said, needs to be realised through support for transparent, independent, and non-selective law enforcement.
He opined that the public expects all emerging allegations to be thoroughly investigated, including if they lead to intellectual actors or suspected money laundering. “Law enforcement must be carried out professionally regardless of position or rank,” he said.
The investigation team at the Attorney General’s Office, known as Team 9, stated that former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah is suspected of involvement in money laundering during his tenure as a prosecutor. “The general modus operandi of the alleged money laundering was carried out by the state official in his capacity as a prosecutor or structural official during his service at the Attorney General’s Office,” said Team 9 Coordinator and Deputy Attorney General for Supervision Rudi Margono at the Attorney General’s Office building in Jakarta on Friday (24/7).
However, he did not reveal the details of the money laundering method allegedly used by Febrie. “I will not convey the details because it relates to our evidentiary strategy, and if we disclose it, it will greatly complicate matters for us going forward,” Rudi Margono said.
Febrie is currently detained at the KPK detention centre after being named a suspect in the alleged money laundering case by the Attorney General’s Office. Previously, Satgas PKH stated that it respected the ongoing legal process involving Febrie. “In relation to this, I must convey that there are organisational principles. In due course, the Attorney General’s Office will provide an explanation,” said Satgas PKH Spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak during a press conference following a meeting in Jakarta on Monday (13/7). Barita emphasised that Satgas PKH continues to operate based on organisational principles, both within the steering committee and the executive body.