The Regent Of Solok Denies Allegations Of Illegal Reclamation In Lake Singkarak, The Issues Reaching The KPK

SOLOK - The Regent of Solok Epyardi Asda has denied allegations related to illegal reclamation in the area of the Lake Singkarak pier, West Sumatra, without a clear legal basis and utilization permit.

"I deny that there are allegations of illegal reclamation in the Singkarak Lake area. I am also confused as to why this issue has reached the KPK," said Solok Regent Epyardi Asda in Singkarak, quoted by Antara, Monday, January 24.

According to Epyardi, investors in the field are only tidying up the outskirts of Lake Singkarak, namely making a gazebo as a snorkeling center, building a pier and restaurant to make it look neater and more beautiful in renovating and developing the tourist attraction of Lake Singkarak.

"Solok Regency Government together with investors are only tidying up the outskirts of Lake Singkarak, so that it becomes beautiful and worthy of being used as a national-class tourist attraction," he explained.

Epyardi said the Solok Regency Government (Pemkab) cooperated with third parties aimed at developing and generating tourism potential in Solok Regency, especially in Lake Singkarak.

In addition, the Solok Regency Government together with investors only want to build and revive the community's economy through the development of local tourism potential.

Epyardi also explained that Solok Regency is an area that has advantages in the fields of tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure that must be developed.

"Lake Singkarak tourism also has huge potential. So the Solok Regency Government declares Lake Singkarak as a leading tourism area," he said.

The Regent of Solok also hopes that the problem will be resolved soon so that there will be no more obstacles in carrying out the construction and development of the Lake Singkarak pier tourist attraction.

"The Solok Regency Government and investors are ready to comply with existing regulations in order to promote regional tourism," he said.

Previously, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) encouraged the restoration of Lake Singkarak as a state asset so that its management can provide optimal benefits for the community as well as a source of non-tax state revenue (PNBP).

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Prevention Ipi Maryati Kuding in a written statement said that state assets that are not recorded in an orderly manner have the potential to be claimed and managed by certain parties, thereby risking harm to state finances.

One of them is the management of Lake Singkarak in Solok Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra Province.

According to him, Lake Singkarak is one of the lakes included in the list of National Priority Lakes in accordance with Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 60 of 2021.

The Presidential Regulation regulates efforts to save National Priority Lakes through various steps to control damage, maintain, restore, restore the condition, function of lake water bodies, water catchment areas, and lake boundaries so that they are beneficial for the welfare of the community in a sustainable manner.

"KPK through its duties and functions of Coordination and Supervision pays attention to efforts to recover and save state assets to prevent state financial losses as a form of corruption," he said.