PDIP and Sukoharjo Regency Government Respond to KPK Sting Operation on Regent Etik Suryani

The Central Executive Board (DPP) of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has spoken out regarding the legal proceedings against its cadre, Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani, who was arrested in a sting operation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Friday (10/7).

DPP PDIP Chairman Andreas Hugo Pareira stressed that his party respects the law and will therefore support the legal process against Etik. “PDI Perjuangan is law-abiding, so it supports the legal process carried out by law enforcement officials,” Andreas said when contacted.

However, he expressed hope that the process would be conducted fairly, without bias or criminalisation. “PDI Perjuangan supports a legal process that is just, without any tendency towards the politicisation of law and criminalisation against anyone facing legal cases,” he said.

The Sukoharjo Regency Government, meanwhile, stated it is still awaiting official information from the KPK regarding the news of Etik Suryani’s arrest. Sukoharjo Deputy Regent Eko Sapto Purnomo said his administration could not comment much on the case yet. “We cannot say much because we are waiting to see what the actual issue is,” Eko said on Friday (10/7).

He is still waiting for further information regarding the case involving his colleague. “We are waiting for the official release or statement from the KPK,” he said. Eko further expressed hope that the sting operation against Etik would not affect the performance of the Sukoharjo Regency Government. He asked all ranks of the regency administration to continue working as usual. “We hope everything can proceed calmly as normal for now,” Eko said.

Etik was arrested along with four other individuals. They underwent initial examination at the Surakarta Police Station and have been taken to Jakarta for further investigation. Under the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK has 1x24 hours to determine the legal status of the Sukoharjo regent and the other parties caught in the operation. This is the fourth time in quick succession that the KPK has conducted a sting operation on a regional head, following the arrests of the regents of Muara Enim, Langkat, and Kuansing.