Anti-Graft Agency Probes Alleged Extortion Try on School Principals in Riau Province

PEKANBARU, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s anti-graft agency, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), has examined principals of government junior high schools in Riau Province after last month’s mass resignation.

Over 60 principals in Indragiri Hulu regency resigned en masse following allegations of extortion attempts by personnel from the Indragiri Hulu prosecutor’s office (Kejari).

“The investigation of 63 (not 64 as previously as published) junior high school principals by KPK has been going on for three days. Ten KPK investigators are conducting the examination,” Taufik Tanjung, head of the Legal Aid and Consultation Institute (LKBH) under the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) told Kompas.com on August 13.

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Taufik said the KPK was concerned over the allegations of corruption and abuse of power by the personnel from the prosecutor’s office in Indragiri Hulu. In this case, the prosecuting officer allegedly violated the authority and extorted the head of the principals by asking for 1.4 billion rupiahs ($94,500) so that the management of the government-led school operational aid (BOS) would not be disturbed.

Taufik hoped KPK will work professionally and without any intervention from any party.
“Hopefully, the investigation will have its best result for all of us. We also hope that the case will get any attention from President Joko Widodo to prevent a similar problem from reoccurring in the future." 

Apart from examining 63 junior high school principals, the anti-graft agency will also summon the Head of Inspectorate Office at the Indragiri Hulu regency Boyke Sitinjak.

“I have not been questioned by the KPK. It is still the principals’ turn,” Boyke told Kompas.com in an interview at the hotel where the investigation takes place.

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He said that he previously had submitted evidence regarding alleged abuse of power by personnel of the prosecutor’s office in Indragiri Hulu on July 16.