KPK Examines Alleged Flow Of Bribes Received By Kuansing Regent From 10 Witnesses

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating the flow of money received by the inactive Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Andi Putra. The money is allegedly related to the granting of a Cultivation Right to Cultivate an oil palm plantation by PT Adimulia Agrolestari.

This investigation was carried out by summoning 10 witnesses, namely Andi Putra's aide, Hendri Kurniadi; General Staff of Kuansing Regency Government, Andri Meiriki; Acting Head of DPMPTSPTK, Mardiansyah; Assistant 1 of the Regional Secretariat of the Kuansing Regency Government, Muhjelan; and the Protocol of the Secretariat of Kuansing, Riko.

Next, the KPK also summoned the Head of Rights Determination and Registration at the Kuansing Office, Ibrahim Dasuki; Head of Survey and Mapping at the Regional Land Office of Riau Province and Pl. Head of Kantah, Dwi Handaka; and three drivers, namely Deli, Yuda and Sabri.

"In examining these witnesses, the investigative team has again deepened the alleged flow of a sum of money received by suspect AP," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Ali Fikri told reporters, Wednesday, November 3.

Not only that, during the same examination, these ten witnesses were also asked about the licensing process and the alleged management up to the issuance of one of the permit recommendations by the BPN that was not appropriate.

"It was confirmed, among other things, related to the permitting process for PT AA's HGU. Besides that, it was also clarified regarding allegations that the management and issuance of one of the permit recommendations by the local BPN was not as it should be," said Ali.

Previously reported, the KPK named Andi Putra and General Manager of PT Adimulia Agrolestari, Sudarso as suspects in the bribery case for plantation permits. This allegation began when PT Adimulia Agrolestari applied for an extension of the Right to Cultivate (HGU) starting in 2019 and ending in 2024.

The proposal stated that each company must build a partnership garden of at least 20 percent of the HGU in the Kuansing area. However, the company actually made it in Kampar Regency, not in Kuansing Regency.

Even so, Sudarso still submitted a letter of application to Andi to approve it. However, the agreement was reached with the provision of money twice, namely in September of Rp. 500 million and October of Rp. 200 million.

As a result of this action, the KPK then named Andi and Sudarso as suspects. The two suspects were detained in two different places, namely the KPK Detention Center at the Jaya Guntur Pomdam Branch and the Merah Putih building.