KPK not to detain Djoko on ‘Spooky Friday’

JAKARTA. Ins. Gen. Djoko Susilo, a major suspect in the National Police driving simulators procurement graft scandal, will likely avoid detention by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) after a questioning session on Friday—dubbed by the press “Spooky Friday” (Jumat keramat) as many graft suspects end up going directly into the KPK detention center after Friday sessions.

KPK investigators need the signatures of at least three KPK leaders to be able send Djoko to its detention facility--a quota that could not be met today as three of the five leaders were out of town.

KPK chief Abraham Samad was in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Friday to attend the funeral of his brother in law, Andi Ramlan Amin, who died on Thursday night. KPK deputy chief Bambang Widjojanto was in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, while another deputy chief, Adnan Pandu Praja is in Malaysia. The only KPK leaders who were in charge in its headquarters in Jakarta were Busyro Muqoddas and Zulkarnaen.

“Djoko Susilo won’t be detained today, because three KPK leaders are out of town. The arrest warrant should be signed by at least three KPK leaders, while I had to rush to Makassar this morning to attend the funeral of my brother in law,” Abraham said in Makassar.

“This was unexpected, Djoko is lucky today,” he added.

A day before, Abraham had vowed to detain Djoko after the Friday questioning should the active-duty police general meet the KPK’s summons.

Abraham was asked whether the KPK would summon National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo, who allegedly approved the fraudulent procurement.

“I can’t confirm whether we will summon the National Police chief or whether we will name new suspects. We have to study the case thoroughly before taking further steps,” he said.

Djoko was named a suspect by the commission in early August. He was accused of violating Article 2 or 3 of Law No. 31/1999 on Corruption, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.