Through The Ambon City Secretary, KPK Finds Out The Mayor's Income Richard Louhenapessy

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigated the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Ambon City, Agus Ririmase. He was asked to explain the income and main duties and functions of Richard Louhenapessy as Mayor of Ambon.

This explanation was asked by investigators from the anti-corruption commission to investigate the alleged bribery in the approval for the construction of the Alfamidi outlet which ensnared Richard Louhenapessy.

"It has been confirmed that RL's main duties as mayor of Ambon are the income of the mayor of Ambon," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Affairs Ali Fikri told reporters, Thursday, July 7.

Not only that, investigators are also investigating other things. This includes licensing procedures in Ambon City and Richard's alleged other receipts.

"And knowledge of the alleged acceptance of gratification by RL as the Mayor of Ambon," said Ali.

As previously reported, Richard and administrative staff led by the Ambon City Government Andrew Erin Hehanusa (AEH) were named as suspects for receiving bribes in the alleged bribery case related to the licensing principle for the construction of retail branches in 2020 in Ambon City and receiving gratuities.

Meanwhile, as the giver of bribes is Amri (AR) from the private sector/employees of Alfamidi Ambon City.

Regarding the construction of the case, the KPK explained that in 2020 Richard, who served as Mayor of Ambon City for the 2017-2022 period, had the authority, one of which was to give approval for the principle permit for the construction of retail branches in Ambon City.

In the processing of the permit, it is suspected that the suspect Amri was actively communicating and held a meeting with Richard so that the permit for the construction of the Alfamidi retail branch could be immediately approved and issued.

Following up on Amri's request, Richard then ordered the Head of PUPR Office of the Ambon City Government to immediately process and issue various permit applications, including a place of business permit (SITU) and a trading business license (SIUP).

For each permit document that was approved and issued, Richard asked for the delivery of money with a minimum nominal value of Rp. 25 million using a bank account belonging to Andrew, who was Richard's confidant.

As for the issuance of approval in principle for the construction of 20 Alfamidi outlets, it is suspected that Richard received Rp500 million from Amri through Andrew's bank account. In addition, Richard is also suspected of receiving a number of funds from various parties as gratuities.