President Joko Widodo of Indonesia has expressed his support for reverting the Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) Law to its previous version, a statement that has prompted a critical response from the KPK’s Vice Chairman, Johanis Tanak. Tanak emphasized that laws should not be treated as items that can be borrowed and returned at will, highlighting the implications of such a change for the fight against corruption in the country.
In a conversation on February 15, 2026, Tanak articulated his concerns, stating, “What is there to return? Laws are not items that can be borrowed and then returned once they are no longer needed.” He pointed out that the KPK’s primary role is to prevent and eradicate corruption, working under the framework of existing laws, rather than drafting new legislation.
Implications of Reverting the KPK Law
The KPK has been operating under both the old and new versions of the KPK Law. According to Tanak, the recent amendments have clarified the legal status of KPK employees, officially designating them as civil servants. He stated, “If we want the KPK to operate independently without interference from other institutions, changes to the KPK Law should focus on placing the KPK within the judicial framework, alongside the Supreme Court.”
Tanak’s remarks indicate that the potential reversion of the KPK Law could have significant effects on the agency’s independence and effectiveness. The KPK has been a vital institution in Indonesia’s ongoing battle against corruption, and any changes to its legal foundation could undermine its authority and operations.
The political landscape surrounding the KPK has been contentious, with various factions advocating for different approaches to tackling corruption. The tension surrounding the KPK Law reflects broader issues within Indonesian politics regarding governance, accountability, and the role of institutions in maintaining integrity.
As discussions continue, the future of the KPK and its ability to combat corruption effectively remains in question. The agency’s leadership and its supporters are likely to advocate for maintaining the current legal framework that empowers the KPK to function as an independent entity dedicated to fighting corruption in Indonesia.
