Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Nawawi Pomolango, expressed skepticism about President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s ability to execute his ambitious anti-corruption agenda, citing significant budgetary constraints that could hinder these efforts.
Nawawi highlighted that this plan, which involves setting aside a dedicated budget for hunting down corrupt individuals and eradicating corruption in Indonesia, requires significant financial resources − a need he only recently became aware of.
During a session at the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Nawawi expressed his concern that the lack of consensus on funding for the KPK could undermine these efforts.
He cited the recent rejection by the House of the KPK’s request for a budget increase as an example of this disconnect.
“We haven’t even discussed future plans yet, and we’re already disappointed with the current situation. Our request for additional funds, just to cover employee salaries, was not met,” Nawawi said.
The KPK had sought a budget increase during discussions on the Draft 2025 State Budget (RAPBN). However, this proposal was turned down in a hearing with Commission III of the House, which also involved the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) and the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM).
Commission III Chairman Bambang Wuryanto revealed that Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati had rejected the request due to the tight fiscal condition of the country.
“Given the tight budget today, everyone, especially the chairpersons here, understands the financial situation of our country − our fiscal space is extremely limited,” Bambang said.
Currently, the KPK operates with an indicative budget ceiling of Rp1.12 trillion (US$72.3 million). For this year, they had requested an additional Rp117.12 billion, which was not approved.
“Our lobbying efforts here did not succeed in getting the KPK’s budget request approved,” Bambang added.
Despite these budgetary challenges, Prabowo had reaffirmed his commitment to fighting corruption during the closing of the National Leadership Meeting of the Gerindra Party on August 31, 2024.
He emphasized his resolve to allocate special funds for anti-corruption efforts and for pursuing corrupt individuals who flee abroad.
Prabowo even mentioned deploying special forces to track down corrupt officials, regardless of where they try to escape.
“Even if they (corrupt officials) flee to Antarctica, I will send special forces to find them there,” Prabowo said.
