KPK Investigates 'Kadeudeuh', The Pretext Used By Rahmat Effendi To Cut Bekasi ASN Funds

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will explore the reasons behind the inactive Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi or Pepen cutting allowances and funds for the state civil apparatus (ASN). Including pieces under the pretext of giving kadeudeuh.

Kadeudeuh is a Sundanese language which means appreciation as a form of gratitude to others. Usually, this award is given in the form of money.

"There are already several parts that were included which were investigated yesterday," said KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Karyoto as quoted from the Indonesian KPK YouTube, Thursday, January 27.

"Later it will be developed whether it is an obligation for certain employees or certain officials must provide kadeudeuh," he added.

He emphasized that this investigation must be carried out because the request for money under any pretext by state officials, including kadeudeuh is not justified. However, Karyoto suspected that giving kadeudeuh was just an excuse.

"If it is asked forcibly, it is not kadeudeuh because it is a kind of love rope. However, it is not kadeudeuh that is requested by officials from certain officials," he said.

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

Pepen together with the Secretary of the Investment Office and PTSP, M Bunyamin; Head of Jatisari Village, Mulyadi; Jatisampurna Sub-district Head, Wahyudin; and the Head of the Bekasi City Housing, Settlement and Land Office, Jumhana Lutfi, were named as recipients of bribes.

Meanwhile, the four suspected givers are the Director of PT MAM Energindo, Ali Amril; private party, Lai Bui Min; Director of Bintang Rayatri City, Suryadi; and the sub-district head of Rawalumbu, Makhfud Saifudin.

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 anti-corruption commission revealed that Pepen also 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.

Furthermore, he received some money from employees at the Bekasi City Government in exchange for their position. However, it did not specify 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.