Indonesia law change sparks fears Jokowi is going soft on corruption

Activists say the revision will weaken the powers of nation's anti-graft body

The Jakarta offices of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Indonesia's anti-graft agency. © Reuters

ERWIDA MAULIA, Nikkei staff writer

September 18, 2019 14:17 JST

JAKARTA -- Indonesia's rapid passage of a revision to a law governing its anti-graft body has sparked concerns that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is going soft on fighting the country's endemic corruption.

The House of Representatives, known for its snail-paced deliberations, on Tuesday uncharacteristically passed the amendment to the act on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) after a mere two weeks of debate.