KEMAKI East Java protests for anti-corruption law revision

The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (KEMAKI) in East Java held a demonstration in Surabaya at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law to demand a revision of the Corruption Crime Law (UU Tipikor). Protesters argued that current regulations are too open to multiple interpretations, allowing law enforcement to use state loss clauses as tools for intimidation.

Field coordinator Atok stated that these legal loopholes are frequently used to threaten village heads, department heads, and business owners. The group alleged that investigations into alleged state losses are often left pending for months, which can lead to extortion or illegal negotiations. KEMAKI is calling for clear boundaries to distinguish when administrative losses should be handled by inspectors rather than being escalated to criminal corruption charges.

The group urged the central government to include these redefinitions in the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) to ensure legal certainty. Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, noted that the proposal is currently a discourse requiring detailed study to ensure alignment with international material and formal laws, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).