Former Penajam Paser Regent Again Becomes A Suspect, Allegedly Losing The State Rp14.4 Billion

Deputy Chairperson Of The KPK Alexander Marwata/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - Former Penajam Paser Utara Regent Abdul Gafur Mas'ud has returned to being a suspect after being caught in a bribery case and money laundering (TPPU). The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects that he has harmed state finances of up to Rp14.4 billion.

"In investigating the bribery case with the suspect AGM and friends, the KPK later found sufficient preliminary evidence related to other criminal acts that resulted in state losses. So that the case development was carried out by determining and announcing several parties with suspect status," said KPK Deputy Chair Alexander Marwata to reporters at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Wednesday, June 7.

In addition, the anti-corruption commission also named three other people as suspects. They are the President Director of Perumda Benuo Taka, Heriyanto; Director of Perumda Benuo Taka Energi, Baharun Genda; and Head of Finance Section of Perumda Benuo Taka, Karim Abidin.

The three suspects were detained at different KPK detention centers. Alexander said they were detained for the first 20 days and could be extended according to the needs of investigators.

"Meanwhile, the suspect AGM was not detained because he was undergoing a criminal period at the Balikpapan Class IIA Prison," he said.

This case began when Abdul Gafur when he became Regent of Penajam Paser Utara issued a Regent's Decree to disburse Rp3.6 billion in January 2021 for Benuo Taka Energi; Rp29.6 billion for Benuo Taka in February 2021; and Rp18.5 billion in Danum Taka.

However, the decision did not have a clear basis for the study. As a result, the budget post was prepared fictitiously.

"What is suspected to have resulted in state financial losses amounting to around Rp. 14.4 billion," said Alexander.

In addition, the four suspects used the illicit money they got for personal needs.

In detail, Abdul Gafur received Rp6 billion. The money was used to rent private jets, rent helicopters, and support for Regional Deliberations of the East Kalimantan Democratic Party.

Baharun Double is suspected of receiving Rp500 million. Furthermore, the money was allegedly used to buy a car.

Then, Heriyanto allegedly received Rp3 billion. The money was allegedly used for project capital.

Finally, Karim Abidin allegedly received Rp1 billion. The money is allegedly used for trading forex.

From this case, the KPK admitted to receiving a refund. Acceptance through the KPK holding account.

"The amount is around Rp. 659 million," concluded Alexander.