Sentence Reduction Sends a Negative Signal

Sentences for corruption convicts have once again been reduced in a judicial review decision at the Supreme Court. It is feared that this could weaken the deterrent effect against corruption

KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI

Inactive Riau governor Nurdin Basirun attends a follow-up trial hearing in a bribery case at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday (11/12/2019). The governor has been named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) over allegations that Nurdin had accepted bribes and unlawful gifts valued at Rp 4.22 billion (US$302,010) during deliberations of the province’s zoning plan on coastal areas and small islands.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The trend of cutting sentences for corruption convicts by the Supreme Court over the past few months is feared to be a negative sign in efforts to eradicate corruption. The Supreme Court is expected to remain highly committed to preventing the weakening of the deterrent effect against corrupt behavior.

On the other hand, the phenomenon also needs to be addressed by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) by evaluating the inquiry and investigation of corruption cases that they have carried out.