Examining 3 Witnesses, KPK Investigate The Granting Of Mining Business Permits In The Mardani Maming Case

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) continues to collect evidence related to the alleged bribery and gratification that ensnared the former Regent of Tanah Bumbu Mardani H. Maming. Three witnesses were summoned on Monday, July 18 yesterday to be asked for information regarding the granting of mining business permits.

"The Investigative Team has finished examining the summons of witnesses," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Ali Fikri told reporters, Tuesday, July 19.

The three witnesses called were former Director of PT Trans Surya Perkasa (PT TSP), Muhammad Aliansyah; Director of PT Permata Abadi Raya (PAR), Wawan Surya; and a private company named Jimmy Budhijanto.

There are several things that investigators learned from the examination. One of them, said Ali, is suspected to be related to mining business licensing.

"The three witnesses were present and confirmed, among others, still related to the granting of mining business permits in Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan," he said.

In addition, investigators are also exploring several other things. Including, the alleged affiliation between the parties involved in this case and a number of mining companies.

However, Ali did not elaborate further regarding the allegations. "The investigation is also related to the alleged affiliation of parties related to this case with the mining companies in question," he said.

Mardani was named a suspect after being prevented from going abroad by the Directorate General of Immigration at the request of the KPK. Before being named a suspect, the General Treasurer of the Nahdlaltul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) was also investigated.

However, after being questioned, he admitted that he was asked for information regarding his problem with the owner of PT Jhonlin Group Samsudin Andi Arsyad alias Haji Isam.

Even so, Maming's name was actually mentioned as receiving Rp 89 billion in money in a trial for alleged bribery for a mining business permit (IUP) in Tanah Bumbu Regency which was held at the Tipikor Court, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan (Kalsel).

This allegation was conveyed by the younger brother of former President Director of PT Prolindo Cipta Nusantara (PCN) Henry Soetio, Christian Soetio. At that time, Christian claimed to know that there was a flow of funds to the former Regent of Tanah Bumbu Mardani H Maming through PT Permata Abadi Raya (PAR) and PT Trans Surya Perkasa (TSP).

The money transfer has been going on since 2014. The amount of tens of billions of rupiah is referred to as the amount quoted based on PT PCN's financial statements.