CAUGHT IN THE ACT -- MEMBER OF JUDICIAL ETHICS

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 002753

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/28/2017
TAGS: PGOV KJUS KCOR KMCA ID
SUBJECT: CAUGHT IN THE ACT -- MEMBER OF JUDICIAL ETHICS
WATCHDOG ARRESTED IN BRIBERY SCHEME

REF: JAKARTA 514

Classified By: POL/C Joseph Legend Novak, reasons 1.4(b)(d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: Agents of a key anti-corruption body this
week arrested a member of the Judicial Commission on ethics
who had apparently just accepted a sizable bribe. The
dramatic arrest--which netted substantial media coverage--is
an acute embarassment to the Commission, which already has
come under criticism for ineffectiveness. The news is
positive for the GOI's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, which
have led to the arrests of dozens of public officials. END
SUMMARY.


2. (U) CAUGHT RED-HANDED: A dramatic arrest in a bribery
case has earned front-page coverage. The suspect, Irawady
Joenoes who is a member of the Judicial Commission, was in
possession of USD 30,000 and RP 600 million (USD 65,000) in
cash when he was arrested by Corruption Eradication
Commission (KPK) agents on September 26. Also arrested at
the scene was Freddy Santoso, who had recently sold a parcel
of land to the Commission for RP 46 billion (USD 5 million).
Both men are being charged with violating anti-corruption
legislation. Despite being caught red-handed, Joenoes
claimed that he had been set up, telling the press that he
was assigned to investigate possible corruption in the land
deal by Judicial Commission Chief Busyro Muqoddas. Muqoddas
flat-out denied this story, instead announcing that Joenoes
would be suspended and that the Commission would cooperate
with the investigation. Santosa has reportedly admitted to
making the payment to Joenoes.


3. (C) A BODY BLOW: The bribery incident is an acute
embarassment to the Judicial Commission, which already had
its problems. It was created by Parliament in 2003 to
improve judicial integrity and accountability and serve as a
catalyst for judicial reform. The body was originally given
authority to monitor judicial behavior, but that power was
stripped by a Constitutional Court decision in August 2006
(reftel). Despite initial rumblings, Parliament has yet to
take any action to restore the Commission's authority. The
body has struggled since then to remain relevant and it is
widely considered to be ineffective.


4. (C) GOOD NEWS FOR ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE: The incident is
the latest in a series of dramatic arrests made by the KPK
and a testament to the increasing effectiveness of the GOI's
premier anti-corruption body. For the Commission, however,
it is a disaster to the image of a group supposedly dedicated
to cleaning up the judiciary. Several members of Parliament,
including the Speaker, have already called for a review of
all Commission members. Over all, the news is positive for
the GOI's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, which have led to
the arrests of dozens of public officials.
HEFFERN