KPK Commissioner Proposes Harsh Measures for Corruption Convicts
Jakarta. A commissioner of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has proposed extreme measures against corruption convicts, including isolating them on a remote island without state-provided food supplies.
Johanis Tanak, a senior KPK official, also suggested imposing a minimum prison sentence of 10 years for those convicted of graft.
"I support the president’s idea of building a prison on a remote island -- perhaps on the islets surrounding Buru Island -- for all corruption convicts," Johanis said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He further argued that corruption inmates should be required to sustain themselves rather than relying on government support.
"The government shouldn’t need to supply them with food. Instead, provide them with farming tools so they can grow their own food," he added.
Buru Island is the third-largest island in Maluku Province and is surrounded by several uninhabited islets. The island has historical significance, having been used as a detention site for political dissidents during the military rule of President Soeharto.
Johanis stressed that tougher sentences would serve as a deterrent against corruption, proposing a sentencing range of 10 years to life imprisonment for graft convicts.
"Longer prison terms will discourage people from engaging in corruption," he asserted.
Prabowo’s Vision for a Prison Island
Johanis' remarks follow a recent statement by President Prabowo Subianto, who last week unveiled a plan to construct a prison for corruption convicts on a remote island. The president argued that corruption has long been a major roadblock to Indonesia’s progress and vowed to take a zero-tolerance approach.
Speaking at the Elementary and Middle Education Ministry in Jakarta, Prabowo condemned corrupt officials for robbing the public of resources meant for social welfare.
"We will remove them from our land. If necessary, I will allocate a special budget to build a prison in a remote area where they cannot escape. We will find an island where escapees would have to face sharks," Prabowo said.
If the plan moves forward, Indonesia could see the establishment of a second prison island dedicated to corruption convicts, reinforcing the government’s tough stance on graft.
The country already operates Nusakambangan Prison Island, located off Central Java, which houses high-risk criminals, including terrorists, murderers, and drug traffickers.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Agency Arrests Seven Regional Leaders in H1
Indonesia's KPK carried out 12 sting operations in the first half, arresting seven regional leaders and boosting asset recovery.KPK Employee Charged With Extortion Over Leak in Pemalang Corruption Probe
The employee, Setya Budi Dias Oktavianto is suspected of passing confidential information to his father, Lilik Budi Suprianto.Pemalang Regent Becomes 12th Regional Leader Arrested by KPK This Year
His predecessor, Mukti Agung Wibowo, was arrested in August 2022 and was later sentenced to 6½ years in prison.KPK Leaves Door Open to Question Former BI Governor Perry Warjiyo in CSR Graft Probe
KPK says it may question former BI governor Perry Warjiyo in the central bank's CSR corruption probe as investigators press on.KPK Supervises AGO Corruption Probe After Conflict-of-Interest Concerns
The KPK starts supervising an AGO corruption probe after concerns over a potential conflict of interest.West Lombok Regent Named Corruption Suspect in Multi-Million Dollar Procurement Case
The anti-graft agency accuses West Lombok's regent of rigging contracts and accepting at least $760,000 in bribes.KPK Urges Low-Cost Campaign Model After Arresting 15 Regional Leaders in 1.5 Years
Since the start of 2025, the KPK has arrested one governor, one mayor, and 13 regents in separate corruption investigations.Indonesia Requires Foreign Executives at State Firms to Declare Assets
Indonesia's anti-graft agency says foreign executives at state-owned firms must file asset declarations like local officials.KPK Investigates ‘Click Fee’ Scheme in Bali Immigration Offices
KPK is probing alleged ‘click fees’ paid to process visas and residence permits for foreigners in Bali.KPK Backs Free Meals Program, Calls for Stronger Oversight
KPK urged greater transparency in Indonesia’s free meals program as corruption probes and food safety concerns mount.The Latest
Pullman Hotel Fire in Jakarta Suspected to Stem From Electrical Fault
Police will deploy a forensic team to investigate a fire at Pullman Hotel in West Jakarta, with an electrical fault suspected as the cause.Pertamina Slashes Prices of Three Fuels From Aug. 1
Pertamina cut prices for three non-subsidized fuels from Aug. 1.Trump Too Stubborn to Rejoin Paris Agreement: Indonesian Minister
Indonesia's Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat says other countries should deal with Trump quitting the Paris Accord.Indofood Sales Rise 9% as Rupiah Weakness Hits First-Half Profit
Indofood’s first-half sales rose 9%, but net profit fell 19% as rupiah weakness increased unrealized foreign-exchange losses.JCI Ends Week Higher as Investors Digest Earnings, Fed Decision
JCI rose 0.64% as strong corporate earnings offset uncertainty over Bank Indonesia’s leadership and foreign outflows.Most Popular
