Indonesia’s corruption watchdog arrests Megawati’s trusted aide
Hasto Kristiyanto, a Catholic, is accused in connection with a bribery case involving the replacement of a PDIP lawmaker who died soon after being elected. His supporters slam the government, claiming that the investigation is politically motivated and directed at the main opposition party.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – A new corruption case is shaking Indonesian politics. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Hasto Kristiyanto, the secretary general of the Indonesian Democratic Struggle Party (PDIP) in Jakarta.
Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri founded and leads the PDIP, the only political force currently opposed to the ruling coalition that supports President Prabowo Subianto.
Hasto, a Catholic, is seen as a trusted aide to Megawati. He stands accused of obstructing investigations into alleged corruption linked to the appointment of Harun Masiku as a member of the House of Representatives for the 2019-2024 term.
Masiku, who is still on the run, took over in 2019 from another PDIP parliamentarian who died right after the election. At the time, Megawati's party supported then-President Joko Widodo
Hasto, who has already been questioned by the KPK, said he was mentally and physically ready in case of arrest.
Expressing his confidence in Indonesian justice, he called for “the application of the law without discrimination" in his case. “I do not hold a state office, and there is no state loss in the case in which I am accused," he said in his defence.
The PDIP also denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the investigation is politically motivated, a claim denied by the KPK director.
For its part, the Indonesian government said that it respects the decision of the anti-corruption authority, which “operates as an independent law enforcement institution”.
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