Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo Appoints Febri Diansyah-Rasamala Aritonang as Legal Counsel

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) appointed Febri Diansyah as his legal team to deal with cases of alleged corruption and extortion which are being investigated by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

This appointment was discovered after the former KPK spokesperson visited NasDem Tower, Wednesday, October 4, evening.

"Mr Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Minister of Agriculture, asked us to provide legal assistance at the investigation level," said Febri to journalists, Thursday, October 5.

Apart from Febri, the Minister of Agriculture also appointed Rasamala Aritonang to be part of his legal team. The aim is to ensure that all rights are fulfilled when the process of investigating suspected corruption is ongoing.

"Of course, to ensure that the investigation process is procedural and all rights regulated by law are fulfilled," he said.

Apart from that, it was also emphasized that Yasin Limpo would cooperate in facing the legal process.

"Secondly, it was also conveyed that the Minister of Agriculture said that he would face this legal process and would cooperate in carrying out this legal process," said Febri.

For information, the Corruption Eradication Committee (KPK) revealed that investigators are currently handling three clusters related to Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo. The details include extortion related to position, gratification and alleged money laundering (TPPU).

In investigating this case, a search was carried out at the official residence of Minister of Agriculture Syahrul. From this forced effort, IDR 30 billion in cash in the form of rupiah denominations and foreign currency was found as well as 12 firearms.

Not stopping there, investigators also searched the Ministry of Agriculture office in Jakarta and the house of a suspect, Muhammad Hatta, who was in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta. During this activity, the anti-corruption commission found IDR 400 million which was suspected to be related to alleged corruption which was being investigated.

The KPK then stated that it would analyze the money found. Meanwhile, firearms will be handled by the police.

On Wednesday 4 October, the Corruption Eradication Committee then searched the Minister of Agriculture's private house in Makassar, South Sulawesi. At the last location, the Corruption Eradication Committee has not provided official information.