Two Former High-ranking Officials Of The Serang Regency Manpower And Transmigration Office, Whose COVID-19 Funds Are Still Being Considered For Death Penalty Demands

SERANG - Serang District Attorney's Office for Intel Rezkinil Jusar said two former high-ranking Manpower and Transmigration (Disnakertrans) officials of Serang Regency were facing the death penalty. But for now, it is still considering the claim.

As is known, the former head of the Serang Regency Manpower and Transmigration Service, R. Setiawan and the Serang District Manpower Training and Productivity (Disnakertrans) Head Sutarya were named suspects on suspicion of committing a criminal act of corruption in the COVID-19 social assistance in 2020 worth IDR 3 billion.

As a result of their actions, the two suspects were suspected of violating Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption as amended and added to Law No. 20 of 2001 concerning Amendments to Law No. 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Acts. Criminal Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st Criminal Code.

"There are considerations (related to the death penalty)," said Rezkinil when confirmed by VOI, Friday, July 22.

Rezkanil explained that the underlying reason for the two former high-ranking officials to be sentenced to death was that they committed acts of corruption during natural disasters or pandemics.

"It is in Article 2 that the death penalty is possible, in the case of natural disasters or pandemics it can be. We'll just have to see if there is a potential for prosecution of the death penalty," he concluded.

Suspect of COVID-19 Social Assistance Case

Rezkinil explained that the two suspects misappropriated COVID-19 aid funds of IDR 3 billion in 2020.

Assistance funds originating from unexpected expenditures (BTT) of the Serang Regency APBD should be used for residents affected by COVID-19 by providing masks and hazmat sewing skills.

However, in its implementation it was suspected to be deviant, instead procuring goods in the form of materials and appointing professional tailors to make masks and hazmat suits.

He said the roles of the two suspects were different, starting with Setiawan as a fundraiser and Sutarya as a commitment maker.

"(The amount) is IDR 3 billion, the effective disbursement is IDR 2,650,000,000.