Former PT SMS Boss Becomes A KPK Prisoner Because Of State Loss Of Up To IDR 18 Billion

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

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained former Director of PT Sriwijaya Mandiri, South Sumatra (SMS) Perserodda, Sarimuda. He is a suspect in alleged corruption in coal transportation in South Sumatra.

"The investigative team detained the suspect SM for the first 20 days starting from September 21, 2023 to October 10, 2023 at the KPK Detention Center," said KPK Deputy Chair Alexander Marwata at a press conference at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Thursday, September 21.

Alexander explained that this case began when Sarimuda was appointed as President Director of PT SMS in 2019. At that time, Sarimuda made a policy of cooperation in coal transportation using PT KAI Persero facilities with a number of customers, namely companies that own coal and mining business license holders.

Through the cooperation contract with the coal companies, PT SMS Perseroda gets payment with a calculation per metric ton. In addition, the regional company also shares with several vendors to provide supporting services.

Furthermore, Sarimuda allegedly ordered the disbursement of money from the company's cash by making various fictitious invoice documents. However, the money did not go into the company's pocket but went into his pocket for personal purposes.

"From every bank check disbursement worth billions of rupiah, Sarimuda through his trusted people set aside hundreds of millions of rupiah in cash," explained Alexander.

Not only that, Sarimuda also transferred to the bank account of one of the companies owned by his family members, who did not have business cooperation with PT SMS Perseroda. "The suspect's actions allegedly resulted in state financial losses of around Rp. 18 billion," he said.

Alexander said investigators were still conducting further investigations regarding the involvement of other parties. Anyone who participates will be charged.

As a result of his actions, Sarimuda was suspected of violating Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 of Law (UU) Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001.