Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) should continue to maintain its leading role in corruption eradication despite amendment of Law No. 30 of 2002 on the anti-graft body.

"I have given orders to the minister of law and human rights and minister of state apparatus empowerment and bureaucratic reform to convey the government's stance and opinion on the amendment of law on KPK initiated by the House of Representatives. The point is that the KPK should play a leading role in corruption eradication," Jokowi told the press at the State Palace here on Friday.

Jokowi was accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno and Head of the Presidential Staff Moeldoko.


"Hence, the KPK must be backed by adequate authority and power, and it should be stronger than other institutions in corruption eradication," he emphasized.

The head of state reiterated that the parliament had initiated the amendment of the law.

"I have studied and considered seriously inputs from the public, anti-corruption activists, lecturers, students, as well as national figures, who meet me," Jokowi noted.

The government has responded to the House's initiative by chalking out issues and assigning ministers to represent the president during the discussion with the parliament.

"We know that the law on KPK has been in effect for 17 years. It needs limited revision to enhance the effectiveness of corruption eradication. Once again, the KPK should be stronger than other institutions in corruption eradication," the president stated.

The DPR, at its plenary session on September 3, had agreed on the initiative to amend Law No. 30 of 2002 on KPK.

The president has signed a letter that assigned two cabinet ministers to represent the government at the discussion on the amendment of the law on September 11, although he has 60 days to consider the initiative.

The House has set a target to finalize discussion on the amendment by September 23.