JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has imposed a six-month travel ban on two prominent members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Hasto Kristiyanto and Yasonna Laoly, as part of an investigation into alleged bribery tied to a House of Representatives seat.
Hasto, the PDI-P secretary-general, has been named a suspect in the bribery case involving former General Elections Commission (KPU) commissioner Wahyu Setiawan. The accusations center on securing a parliamentary seat for Harun Masiku, a former PDI-P member, following the death of a lawmaker-elect in March 2019.
The KPK revealed that between December 16 and 23, 2019, bribes totaling S$19,000 and US$38,350 were allegedly paid to Wahyu and another official. Hasto is accused of orchestrating the scheme and providing funds for the bribes. He also allegedly advised Harun to destroy evidence and flee. Harun remains a fugitive since January 2020.
Yasonna Laoly, a former Law and Human Rights Minister, was questioned about his knowledge of Harun’s travel history, as his ministry oversaw immigration records during the relevant period.
The PDI-P has dismissed the investigation as politically motivated, describing it as “political terror” aimed at undermining Hasto. The party has been critical of former President Joko Widodo and recently expelled him and his family members for supporting rival presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto.
Amid the political turmoil, Widodo has called for respect for the legal process, stating he is no longer involved in such matters following his retirement.