Indonesian president tells police to end investigation on anti-graft officers
By Channel NewsAsia's Indonesia Bureau Chief Sujadi Siswo | Posted: 24 November 2009 2352 hrs

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JAKARTA : Massive reform is underway in Indonesia's law enforcement agencies, after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on the Police and the Attorney General Office to stop their investigation of two anti-graft officers.

Many believe the two agencies set out to frame the anti-graft officers in order to protect their own corrupt practices.

In a much anticipated televised speech, President Yudhoyono said the Indonesian public has lost confidence in the Police and the Attorney General's Office following their handling of a bribery case involving two senior anti-corruption officers.

"What has developed in fact is a significant loss of trust in the Police and the Attorney General. This has affected society and life in general," said the Indonesian president.

But he stopped short of taking firmer action, saying it's up to the two institutions to stop the investigation.

"A better option and solution for the police and the prosecutor is not to bring the case to court while considering the basis of justice," said President Yudhoyono.

His advisor said Dr Yudhoyono was mindful not to over-step his jurisdiction.

"If he goes further for example by instructing the police or the attorney general to stop the case, it will be against the law... (and) also the constitution because it is against the principle of independence of the judiciary," said presidential advisor Deny Indrayani.

Deny Indrayani believes the police and the Attorney General will make an announcement to withdraw the case in the next couple of days.

And heads are expected to roll very soon.

"We'll see in the next 1 to 3 days. The president told us - his staff - there will be clear message to the people... The action is taken by the president because this is under his jurisdiction," said Deny.

The president is setting up a special task force to eradicate fixers who bribe law enforcers to influence court cases.

It has two years to clean up Indonesia's tainted legal system.

Combating corruption will remain top priority for the Yudhoyono administration over the next 5 years. And the Indonesian leader has demonstrated that nobody should try to get in the way - not even his police chief or his attorney general. - CNA /ls