When Old KPK Cases Are Held Up Due to Numerous Arrest Operations

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The hand-catching operations (OTT) conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are apparently impacting the continuity of corruption cases previously handled by the anti-corruption body. This is evident at least from the fact that two DPR members, suspects in the alleged corruption case involving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Satori and Heri Gunawan, have not yet been detained. KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, stated that Satori and Heri have not been detained because the KPK is conducting many OTTs and the handling of those cases must be prioritised. Based on Kompas.com records, in early 2026, the KPK has indeed routinely carried out OTTs targeting regional heads, ministry officials, to judges and prosecutors. Asep mentioned that the large number of cases being handled by the KPK requires the anti-corruption commission to manage time well so that no case is neglected. “So we divide and manage time, manage resources in this case, human resources and the time for resolution as well. So some of these end up not being put on the back burner, right? No, but time is still managed. So it’s just a matter of waiting,” Asep said. According to him, the KPK’s authority in handling corruption cases is normatively regulated in Article 11 of the KPK Law, where the KPK can conduct OTTs on cases that raise controversy. With those limitations, the handling of cases, including through OTT, remains within the framework of authority determined by law. “OTT is not intended to neglect other cases, but rather serves as one instrument of law enforcement against corruption offences that meet the KPK’s authority criteria,” Praswad told Kompas.com on Thursday (8/4/2026). Praswad explained that OTT has a strategic function as a “shock force” that directly impacts the temporary halt of corrupt practices in an institution or region. Such swift and concrete enforcement is considered effective in providing a deterrent effect while disrupting ongoing corruption patterns, where OTT acts as an immediate measure. “OTT often serves as an entry point to uncover larger actors or big fish,” Praswad said.