KPK Looks For Traces Of Corruption Mayor Rahmat Effendi In Several Places In Bekasi

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) searched a number of places in Bekasi City, West Java to look for evidence related to the alleged bribery received by Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi or commonly known as Kang Pepen.

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, said the search was carried out on Friday, January 7. He declined to specify which locations were searched.

"Today, the investigative team carried out forced search activities in several locations, including those in the Bekasi City area," Ali told reporters, Friday, January 7.

Ali said the investigation team was still working. The public is asked to be patient because it is not yet known what evidence was found from this activity.

"This action is carried out to find, collect, and secure evidence that is suspected to be related to the case," he said.

"Currently the team is still working and we will inform you of further developments," Ali added.

As previously reported, the KPK has named Rahmat Effendi or Pepen along with eight other people as suspects in the alleged bribery in the procurement of goods and services as well as the auction of positions in the Bekasi City Government.

Pepen with M. Bunyamin who is the Secretary of the Investment Office and PTSP Bekasi City; Head of Kati Sari Village, Mulyadi alias Bayong; Jatisampurna Sub-district Head, Wahyudin; and the Head of the Bekasi City Housing, Settlement and Land Office, Jumhana Lutfi, were named as bribe recipients.

Meanwhile the Director of PT MAM Energindo, Ali Amril; private named Lai Bui Min; Director of PT Kota Bintang Rayatri, Suryadi; and the sub-district head of Rawa Lumbu, Makhfud Saifudin, was named the bribe giver.

In this case, Pepen is suspected of receiving billions of rupiah as a commitment fee from the private sector whose land was acquired for a project belonging to the Bekasi City Government and received compensation. However, he called the money a mosque donation code.

In addition to the bribes above, the KPK also revealed that Pepen received money related to project management and contract labor at the Bekasi City Government in the amount of Rp. 30 million. The money was given by the Director of PT MAM Energindo, Ali Amril and received by the Secretary of the Investment Office and PTSP Bekasi City, M Bunyamin.

Later, he also received some money from employees at the Bekasi City Government in return for their position. It was not specified how much money the Golkar Party politician received.

However, the money found from the gifts given by the employees was only Rp600 million left when the silent operation was carried out. Allegedly, the money already exists which was used in part to meet its operational needs.