KPK Investigate Receipt Of Gratification Money From Former Sidoarjo Regent Through Maspion Group Boss

Maspion Group Boss Alim Markus arrived at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building, Wednesday, May 24. (Tsa Tsia-VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has examined the President Director of PT Indal Alumunium Industry, Alim Markus on Wednesday, May 25. The boss of PT Maspion Group was asked to explain the flow of gratuities received by former Sidoarjo Regent Saiful Ilah. "The witness was present and his knowledge was investigated, among others, regarding the alleged amount of money that the suspect SI received in his position as Regent of Sidoarjo at that time," said Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri to reporters, Thursday, May 25. Ali said the money was allegedly received by Saiful, not in rupiah. Alim is believed by investigators from the anti-corruption commission to know about the money. "The money received is in the form of foreign currency denominations and is allegedly given by several private parties," he said. In this case, the anti-corruption commission has also examined the President Director of PT Santos Jaya Abadi Kopi Kapal Api, Soedomo Mergonoto on Monday, May 21. At that time, investigators were questioned regarding the alleged flow of money received by Saiful Ilah, including in foreign currency. The KPK previously again named Saiful as a suspect in the alleged receipt of gratuities. In fact, he just breathed free air from the Surabaya Class I Prison in Porong, Sidoarjo in January 2022. "The investigative team detained the suspect SI for the first 20 days," said KPK Deputy Chair Alexander Marwata at a press conference at the KPK's Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Tuesday, March 7. Alexander said that Saifulah often received gifts in the form of money or goods. The gift was disguised as a birthday gift, Eid money, to a fee because he signed the trial for the transition of the gold court. "Those who provide gratuities include private parties including ASN in the Sidoarjo Regency Government and BUMD Directors," he explained. The technique of giving it, said Alexander, is usually done directly. Usually the currency used is the United States dollar and other foreign currencies.

Meanwhile, the goods received consisted of precious metal weighing 15 grams, luxury watches, bags, and cell phones. "The amount of gratuities received is around Rp. 15 billion," said Alexander.