KPK Alleges Richard Louhenapessy Played An Active Role In Managing Companies To Win Projects In Ambon

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects that an order from the Mayor of Ambon, Richard Louhenapessy, has been disabled to win over certain companies that have deposited money.

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, said this was investigated from four witnesses on Tuesday, June 7 yesterday. The investigation was carried out at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta.

The witnesses examined were the Head of the Ambon City Industry and Trade Service Sirjohn Slarmanat, the Chair of the UKPBJ Working Group II or former member of the UKPBJ Working Group II Ivonny Alexandra W. Latuputty, and two people from the UKPBJ Working Group Jeremias F. Tuhumena and Charly Tomasoa.

"The witnesses are present," said Ali in his written statement to reporters, Wednesday, June 8.

Ali said there were a number of things that KPK investigators were investigating during the examination. Among them are related to allegations of an order from Richard so that the project in Ambon City is conditioned as a winner.

"Another confirmation is related to the alleged directive from suspect RL as the mayor so that various projects in the Ambon City Government are conditioned to win by depositing a certain amount of money," he said.

As previously reported, the KPK named Ambon City Mayor Richard Louhenpessy as a suspect for accepting bribes along with his subordinates, the administrative staff of the Ambon City Government (Pemkot) Andrew Erin Hehanusa.

This bribe was given in connection with the approval for the 2020 Alfamidi minimarket retail branch construction permit in Ambon City. As for the giver, Alfamidi's employee, Amri.

In this case, the anti-corruption commission suspected that Richard had asked for an allotment of Rp. 25 million for each permit he issued. Meanwhile, regarding the construction permit for 20 Alfamidi retail outlets, Richard is suspected of receiving Rp500 million from Amri.

In addition, he is suspected of receiving a flow of funds from several parties as a gratuity. However, the KPK has not stated the number because investigators are still investigating further.