Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said on Thursday that it will continue its graft investigation against former Vice Justice Minister Edward Omar Sharief Hiariej, known as Eddy Hiariej, despite a recent court ruling instructing the commission to drop the case.

Edward is accused of accepting Rp 8 billion ($506,500) in bribes during his tenure. A judge at the South Jakarta District Court accepted his pre-trial motion on Tuesday, ruling that his designation as a suspect was in violation of the Criminal Procedures Code.

KPK spokesman Ali Fikri said that a leadership meeting had been conducted to respond to the ruling, and the KPK has decided to press forward with the investigation.

"After a thorough analysis by all KPK leaders, members of the law enforcement division, and our legal team, it was decided that the KPK will continue to investigate the case," Ali told journalists.

He added that investigators are currently focused on the administrative procedures to resume the case without hindering legal proceedings.

The recent court ruling doesn't scrutinize the substance of the corruption case against Edward but highlights the legal procedures leading to his designation as a suspect, Ali clarified.

"The KPK respects the judge's ruling as part of the checks and balances in the handling of corruption cases,” he said.

In his ruling, Judge Estiono ordered the KPK to drop corruption charges against Edward, citing a lack of incriminating evidence to name him a suspect. The judge also noted that two key witnesses against the suspect were interrogated by the KPK only after Edward had been charged with the bribery case, in violation of the Criminal Procedures Code.

Following the investigation, Edward submitted his resignation to focus on his legal defense, a move accepted by President Joko Widodo on December 7.

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