Former investigator of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Yudi Purnomo emphasized that the hand-catching operation (OTT) against the number 2 candidate for Governor of Bengkulu, who is also the incumbent Governor of Bengkulu, Rohidin Mersyah, serves as evidence of the importance of OTT in the eradication of corruption.
This was stated by Yudi Purnomo after a number of candidates for KPK leadership (capim) mentioned that sting operations (OTT) would be abolished in the future.
“I appreciate the performance of the KPK in conducting the OTT in Bengkulu and have already named the suspect. This simultaneously proves that the KPK’s OTT is still important in uncovering corruption cases,” said Yudi in a statement received on Tuesday (26/11/2024).
As someone with extensive experience in many sting operations against regional heads during his time at the KPK, Yudi noted that the modus operandi of corruption among regional heads tends to be similar and repetitive.
He detailed that the actions included bribes from entrepreneurs winning projects, kickbacks from subordinates appointed as officials, or compensation for permits issued.
“That is why incumbent candidates as state organizers are vulnerable to the potential for corruption,” said Yudi Purnomo.
Yudi believes that the need for money ahead of the elections is certainly related to money politics because it requires a large amount of funds to influence voters.
This, he said, would certainly make candidates who want to cheat think creatively to obtain money instantly.
“It would be unfortunate if he is an incumbent, as it would certainly be easy for him to obtain money by extorting his staff. Especially if he is the one who appointed them to their positions and is afraid of losing his position,” said the former Chairman of the KPK Employee Forum.
Yudi lamented that such practices still exist and make democracy far from just, competitive competition, and the freedom of the people to choose because they are influenced by money.
“Therefore, the incumbents should make this (the KPK’s OTT on the incumbent gubernatorial candidate of Bengkulu) a deterrent effect and also request the KPK to fully monitor the circulation of money before the election process takes place. Thus, the regional elections will produce anti-corruption leaders,” he concluded.
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