KPK TO MAKE INTERNAL STRUCTURAL CHANGES

Jakarta, Dec 8 (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is considering to change its structural officials pursuant to the recommendation of the Team of Eight and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's directives, according to its chief.

"We will conduct a leadership meeting with regard to repositioning the structural officials. If needed we will do it," KPK's acting chief, Tumpak Hatorangan Panggabean, said here on Tuesday.

He did not explain the Conditions that compelled the change. He only said the KPK leadership would review KPK problems thoroughly.

He said the leadership would make a policy needed to make the KPK independent and effective.

The KPK had already started conducting repositioning at the leadership level, marked by the handing over of the posts of KPK deputies from Mas Ahmad Santosa and Waluyo to Bibit Samad Riyanto and Chandra Hamzah, he said.

The handing over of their posts was carried out on Tuesday following the issuance of a presidential decree to reactivate Bibit Samad Riyanto and Chandra M Hamzah.

Bibit and Chandra were earlier named suspects by the police for allegedly abusing power and extorting, charges that have sparked public outcry and public fear of criminalization of the antigraft body. Their case was later dropped, as no enough evidence was available to continue it.
Bibit said the KPK leadership would discuss improvement plans for KPK including improving the solidity and integrity of the organization.

He said external evaluation would also be needed with regard to improving the KPK's performance.

Bibit said KPK would also conduct an evaluation of its program and handling of cases. "We will focuss on prevention and reinforcement efforts as well as recouping corrupted assets," he said.