Korupsi di Balik Senyuman Pejabat

Di tengah hiruk-pikuk ibu kota yang tak pernah tidur, seorang jurnalis senior bernama Rina melangkah memasuki gedung kementerian yang mewah itu dengan hati berdebar.ⓘIn the midst of the capital city's never-sleeping hustle and bustle, a senior journalist named Rina stepped into the luxurious ministry building with a pounding heart.

Di hadapannya duduk Menteri Surya, pria yang selalu tersenyum lebar di layar televisi, sosok yang dianggap bersih oleh banyak kalangan.ⓘBefore her sat Minister Surya, a man who always smiled widely on television screens, a figure considered clean by many circles.

"Pak Menteri, apakah benar proyek jalan tol tersebut melibatkan perusahaan milik saudara ipar Anda?" tanya Rina tanpa basa-basi, matanya menatap tajam.ⓘ"Mr. Minister, is it true that the toll road project involves a company owned by your brother-in-law?" asked Rina without preamble, her eyes staring sharply. Senyuman Surya memudar sejenak, namun ia cepat pulih.ⓘSurya's smile faded for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Bu Rina, tuduhan itu tak berdasar," jawabnya dengan nada tenang, meski tangannya yang memegang pena gemetar halus.ⓘ"Ms. Rina, that accusation has no basis," he replied in a calm tone, although his hand holding the pen trembled slightly. Namun rekaman suara yang bocor ke media beberapa hari kemudian membuktikan sebaliknya, dan senyuman itu pun lenyap dari panggung politik selamanya.ⓘHowever, the audio recording that leaked to the media several days later proved the opposite, and that smile disappeared from the political stage forever.