Hasto’s Attempt to Meet KPU Chairman on Harun Masiku’s PAW

Independent Report – The Jakarta Central District Court presented Agustiani Tio, the former member of the Indonesian Election Supervisory Board. As a witness in the trial of Hasto Kristiyanto, the Secretary-General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP). Hasto is facing charges related to bribery and obstruction of justice in connection with the case of the legislative seat replacement (PAW) of Harun Masiku.

Introduction to the Trial of Hasto Kristiyanto

During the trial, the prosecution played a recorded phone conversation between Agustiani and Wahyu Setiawan. The former commissioner of the General Elections Commission (KPU). The conversation revealed that Hasto Kristiyanto had intended to meet with the KPU Chairman at the time. Arief Budiman, to discuss the PAW issue concerning Harun Masiku.

In the phone recording, Agustiani asked, “So, the chairman wanted to be conditioned so that only the secretary-general would meet him, right?” to which Wahyu responded, “Yes, yes.” Agustiani then asked whether she should meet Arief Budiman first and inform him that Hasto wished to meet. Wahyu agreed, stating that it would be better if Agustiani initiated the meeting.

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Concerns Over Accepting Money for the Meeting

Later, Agustiani inquired whether Arief Budiman would accept money for this arrangement. Wahyu responded by saying, “He seems to be cautious, because he comes from the Democrat Party. He is somewhat neutral with our group, but that doesn’t mean he is entirely clean.”

In a follow-up conversation, Wahyu explained to Agustiani that there were non-governmental organizations (NGOs) starting to notice the vacant legislative seat left behind due to a death. One of these organizations, Muhammadiyah, had urged Arief to avoid any misconduct related to the issue. Wahyu warned Agustiani that Arief’s behavior seemed overly cautious. Indicating that he was trying to avoid being seen as overly aligned with one group.

Wahyu further explained that meeting directly with the KPU chairman at that moment might not be ideal. He said, “Honestly, I, as the secretary-general, would prefer not to meet under these circumstances. If it doesn’t go as planned, we risk making the secretary-general look bad.” Agustiani agreed, acknowledging that a letter had already been issued regarding the situation, making the meeting even more sensitive.

The Final Considerations and Wahyu’s Offer

Wahyu suggested that Agustiani communicate the situation carefully, as he feared that if Hasto met with Arief, the chairman might still refuse to engage, potentially damaging Hasto’s reputation. He then offered to try to arrange the meeting again, but only if there was a better chance of success.

In closing the conversation, Wahyu mentioned that he would be traveling to Belitung and would call Agustiani again once he landed. He assured her that he was still willing to help facilitate the meeting, but he was concerned about the potential outcomes if Arief remained unwilling.

The conversation reveals the behind-the-scenes efforts of Hasto Kristiyanto and his associates to manage the political situation surrounding the legislative seat replacement for Harun Masiku. It also highlights the challenges faced in navigating the political dynamics within the KPU and the PDIP, especially considering the different factions involved. This case continues to unfold, with further revelations likely to emerge as the trial progresses.

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