TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Civil Coalition Against Corruption (Kosmak) has raised concerns over recent developments involving Indonesia’s law enforcement institutions, particularly the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Attorney General’s Office (AGO).
The group questioned the presence of soldiers guarding the residence of Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) at the AGO, Febrie Adriansyah, during police searches at several locations.
Kosmak member Petrus Selestinus called on authorities to stop what he described as the use of the military as a “backing” to protect officials allegedly involved in corruption.
“We demand that the practice of using the military as a backing, as a bunker, to protect corrupt officials within the Attorney General’s Office be stopped,” Petrus said during a press conference in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
He said such actions could create tensions between the military and police institutions, potentially affecting the independence of law enforcement.
Petrus also referred to reports of around 50 crew-cut individuals believed to be TNI personnel who allegedly attempted to summon witnesses at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) early Thursday.
In response, police deployed the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) to secure the Polda Metro Jaya headquarters using tactical vehicles and armed personnel.
According to Petrus, the situation indicated possible military involvement in several corruption investigations, including alleged money laundering and bribery cases involving PT Asabri, suspected corruption in coal supplies linked to a blackout in Sumatra, and the PT Krakatau Steel case.
He alleged that the three cases were connected to Febrie Adriansyah.
“These are practices that should not happen. It appears that in our constitutional state, the TNI also has the authority to uncover cases, and so does the Attorney General’s Office,” said Petrus, who also serves as coordinator of the Indonesian Democracy Defender Team (TPDI).
Concerns Over Law Enforcement Rivalry
Petrus also criticized the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), saying the institution appeared weakened following revisions to the KPK Law.
He argued that KPK investigators from the police and the AGO tend to prioritize loyalty to their respective institutions.
“Ultimately, it becomes a practice of fighting corruption while corruption exists within the system itself. This is what allegedly happened when the police took action against the Jampidsus,” he said.
Petrus alleged that the AGO could retaliate against investigations involving its senior officials by targeting corrupt police officers.
“As a result, law enforcement is no longer purely about enforcing the law, but about mutual retaliation,” he said, describing the situation as resembling a “mafia state.”
He urged President Prabowo Subianto to carefully manage tensions between law enforcement institutions to prevent further escalation.
Alleged Military Involvement
The controversy followed a police search at Cafe de’Clan Signature in Cipete, South Jakarta, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Investigators from the Police’s Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortastipidkor Polri) and the Jakarta Metropolitan Police searched the venue, which was previously known as Gontran Cherrier. The location was reportedly linked to surveillance activities carried out by members of the Police’s Special Detachment 88 (Densus 88) against Febrie Adriansyah.
During the search, Tempo observed prosecutors and soldiers at the location. However, they were not part of the Kortastipidkor or Polda Metro Jaya investigation teams.
“Yes, they went inside earlier,” a police investigator involved in the search told Tempo.
A soldier was also seen leaving the cafe after the operation. Police said they did not request military assistance for the search.
In the early hours of Thursday, dozens of TNI personnel were also reported to have arrived at the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya.
Information obtained by Tempo and confirmed by two senior police officials said Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) TNI Director C Brigadier General Wahyo Yuniartoto led the visit.
Brigadier General Cpm Anggiat Napitupulu from the Task Force for Forest Zone Arrangement (Satgas PKH) was also reportedly present, accompanied by 10 armed and uniformed TNI personnel and five AGO personnel wearing civilian clothing.
The military denied the report.
“I have checked, and the information is not true,” TNI Information Center Chief Brigadier General Muhammad Nas said.
Military personnel were also seen at Febrie Adriansyah’s residence in Kramat Pela, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, during a police search on Wednesday.
At the time, soldiers wearing full uniforms and carrying long-barreled weapons were seen guarding the main gate, while others were stationed in the front yard.
Several individuals in civilian clothing were also present, while AGO prosecutors from the Special Crimes Office were seen moving behind the fence wearing red-striped uniforms.
Muhammad Nas said the security measures were carried out at the AGO’s request as part of inter-agency cooperation. He added that the move was in line with Presidential Regulation No. 66 of 2025, which regulates state protection for prosecutors.
“The security measures are unrelated to other issues currently circulating,” Nas said, adding that the arrangement was related to the ongoing police searches.
Nabiila Azzahra and Jihan Ristiyanti contributed to the writing of this article.
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