Profile of Maria Lestari, Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Who Has Responded to the KPK Call

Kapanlagi.com - The name Maria Lestari has once again become the focus of public attention after she responded to the call of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) regarding the alleged bribery and obstruction of justice case involving PDIP Secretary General, Hasto Kristiyanto. The politician, who is also a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, appeared at the KPK's Red and White Building on Friday, January 17, 2025, after being absent twice from previous summons. Her presence this time has further increased public attention towards her political journey, which is now overshadowed by legal issues.

Maria Lestari, who represents the West Kalimantan I electoral district from the PDIP faction, has a long and colorful political career. However, her involvement in this case, which also involves big names like Harun Masiku who is still at large, raises various questions regarding her integrity as well as the internal dynamics of the party she represents. The legal process she is facing is a heavy test for Maria.

With an educational background in literature and experience in the private sector, Maria is known as an active and committed politician in her region. However, her career journey has not been free from controversy. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the profile of Maria Lestari, the chronology of her involvement in the PAW case, as well as interesting facts about her political journey and wealth assets. Will Maria Lestari be able to weather this storm? Let’s find out together.

1. Brief Profile of Maria Lestari

Maria Lestari, an inspiring figure born in Pontianak on December 31, 1981, began her life journey by completing her education at SMA Perintis Pembangunan before continuing to Universitas Kejuangan 45, where she earned a degree in Indonesian Language and Literature Education. From there, Maria stepped into a diverse world, trying various professions from tax administrator to entering the political arena.

Her career shone when she served as a member of the West Kalimantan Provincial DPRD from 2014-2019, before moving on to the DPR RI seat for the 2019-2024 period, and being re-elected for the 2024-2029 term. Although her reputation is currently being tested by legal cases, Maria remains known as an influential politician in her region.

Behind her success, she also possesses impressive wealth, reaching Rp2.9 billion, mostly in the form of land and buildings in Pontianak and Landak, as well as several luxury vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux that complement her asset portfolio.

2. PAW Case and Legal Proceedings

The bribery case involving Maria Lestari surfaced after the DPP PDIP submitted a request for Interim Replacement (PAW) to the KPU in 2019. In a press conference held in December 2024, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto revealed that Hasto Kristiyanto, the Secretary-General of PDIP, allegedly lobbied former KPU Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan to fulfill that request.

Maria Lestari and Harun Masiku are mentioned as candidates to replace the previous DPR member. The KPK is currently investigating Maria's role in this process, particularly regarding the alleged flow of funds handed over to Wahyu Setiawan, as well as the possibility that she possessed crucial information that could obstruct the investigation.

KPK Spokesperson, Tessa Mahardhika, confirmed that Maria attended an examination on January 17, 2025, although the details of the examination results are still kept confidential by KPK investigators.

3. Chronology of the PAW PDIP Case

In August 2019, an important meeting took place between Hasto Kristiyanto and Wahyu Setiawan, which initiated a scandal filled with intrigue in Indonesian politics. They discussed two names for the PAW candidates, Maria Lestari and Harun Masiku, but the meeting had far greater consequences. As time went on, bribery practices involving substantial amounts of money to push through the DPP PDIP proposal were revealed.

January 2020 became a turning point when the KPK conducted a sting operation, uncovering a network of involvement from various parties, including Harun Masiku, who is now a fugitive. Although Maria was not designated as the main perpetrator, investigators remained focused on her.

Moreover, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto revealed that Hasto also attempted to obstruct the investigation by instructing his staff to delete evidence, including the mobile phone that served as a communication tool related to this case, which further strengthened the charges against him.

4. Assets and Wealth of Maria Lestari

Maria Lestari, a member of the DPR who has captured public attention, is reported to have a wealth amounting to Rp2.9 billion, mostly in the form of land and buildings, including 10 plots of land scattered in Pontianak and Landak.

Not only that, she also collects luxury vehicles such as the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux, reflecting her impressive financial status. However, behind the glitter of her wealth, sharp scrutiny has emerged regarding allegations of fund flows in the PAW case involving her name.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is currently investigating further whether there is a connection between Maria's sources of wealth and this publicized case.

5. Public Response and Next Steps

The case involving Maria Lestari has sparked various reactions from the public, especially in West Kalimantan, which is her electoral district. Many parties emphasize that her involvement in this scandal should be a serious concern for her party and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

So far, the PDIP has not issued an official statement regarding Maria's status amid the ongoing legal process. Therefore, a wise step that Maria should take is to be cooperative during every examination, as a form of commitment to transparency and justice.

This legal process will also serve as an important test for the credibility of the KPK in handling this major emerging case.

6. What made Maria Lestari summoned by the KPK?

Maria is now in the public spotlight after being summoned to provide testimony in a case of alleged bribery and obstruction of justice involving the Secretary General of PDIP, Hasto Kristiyanto.

7. What is the PAW mechanism?

PAW, or Replacement Between Time, is an intriguing mechanism that allows members of the DPR who resign midway to be replaced by a new individual.

8. Who is Harun Masiku in this case?

Harun Masiku, a figure who is now in the public spotlight, is a suspect in a bribery scandal who has until now disappeared as if swallowed by the earth.

9. What is the total wealth of Maria Lestari?

According to the State Organizer Wealth Report (LHKPN), Maria is recorded to have impressive wealth, amounting to around Rp2.9 billion.

(kpl/srr)