Jakarta – Calls are growing for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to take over the investigation into alleged corruption involving former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah, with activists arguing that the move is necessary to prevent conflicts of interest.
The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) is among the groups urging the KPK to handle the case instead of allowing it to be transferred from the National Police to the Attorney General's Office.
YLBHI Chairman Muhammad Isnur said KPK involvement would help ensure an independent investigation and prevent potential intervention in a case involving a former senior official of the Attorney General's Office.
"The handling by the KPK is needed to close the possibility of conflicts of interest and intervention, while ensuring independence so the case can be fully uncovered," Isnur said in a WhatsApp message on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
YLBHI Raises Concerns Over Case Transfer
Isnur said the transfer of Febrie's case from the National Police to the Attorney General's Office could set a negative precedent for law enforcement and potentially undermine public trust in the legal system.
YLBHI also pointed to several issues surrounding the handling of the case. One of them was the timing of the transfer, which took place after a closed-door meeting between National Police Chief, Attorney General, and Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander with President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday, July 11.
Isnur also highlighted that a day before the transfer, the Attorney General's Office suddenly halted an investigation into alleged corruption related to the management of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
The suspension was recorded in letter Number B-3256/F.2/Fd.2/07/2026, signed by the Director of Investigation at the Attorney General's Office's Special Crimes Division.
KPK Has Legal Basis to Take Over Case, YLBHI Says
According to Isnur, existing regulations do not provide a mechanism for transferring corruption cases between law enforcement institutions.
He cited the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and the KPK Law, arguing that the anti-graft agency has the authority to take over investigations or prosecutions of corruption cases handled by the police or the Attorney General's Office.
"To address this issue, the existence of the KPK as an independent and integral institution in handling corruption cases involving law enforcement agencies is absolutely necessary," Isnur said.
He referred to Article 10A of the KPK Law, which grants the commission authority to take over corruption investigations or prosecutions being handled by other law enforcement agencies.
Isnur added that the alleged corruption value in Febrie's case is believed to exceed Rp1 billion, giving the KPK a legal basis under Article 11 of the KPK Law to handle the case.
"The transfer of Febrie's case without involving the option for it to be taken over by the KPK clearly disregards regulations and risks weakening legal certainty," he said.
Mahfud Md Also Calls for KPK Involvement
Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md. also suggested that the KPK take over the case.
"It would be better if the KPK, in accordance with its authority, takes over this case," Mahfud said in a video uploaded to his official YouTube channel on Tuesday, July 13.
Meanwhile, House of Representatives Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman defended the National Police's move, saying it was not a transfer of a criminal case under procedural law but rather a handover of case handling between institutions.
However, he said the DPR would listen to public input, including Mahfud's suggestion regarding KPK involvement.
"If according to Mr. Mahfud this does not comply with the Criminal Procedure Code, then we will invite him and hear his views," said the Gerindra Party politician on Monday, July 13.
Febrie Named Suspect in Corruption and Money Laundering Probe
Febrie was named a suspect in a corruption and money laundering investigation on Saturday, July 11.
National Police Criminal Investigation Department chief Inspector General Totok Suharyanto said the decision was made after investigators conducted a series of procedures, including witness examinations, expert assessments, and case reviews.
The KPK has yet to decide whether it will take over the case. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo urged the public to remain patient and continue monitoring the investigation.
"The investigation is still in its early stages. Please be patient. We will see how it develops," Budi said at the KPK Building on Monday, July 13, 2026.
Raihan Muzakki contributed to the writing of this article.
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