KPK Finds Out Why Amri Was Specially Appointed By Alfamidi To Handle Licensing In Ambon City

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) examined four witnesses who were employees of PT Midi Utama Indonesia or Alfamidi. From the examination, investigators investigated the appointment of Amri to take care of the construction of outlets in Ambon City.

Amri, who is an employee of PT Midi Utama Indonesia, is a suspect for giving bribes in this case. While the recipients were former Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy and administrative staff led by the Ambon City Government Andrew Erin Hehanusa (AEH).

"The four witnesses were present and confirmed, among others, related to the alleged special appointment of suspect AR (Amri) to administer the approval of the principle permit for the construction of a retail branch in 2020 in Ambon City," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Affairs Ali Fikri told reporters, Tuesday, 9. August.

The Alfamidi employees who were examined on Monday, August 8, were Afid Hermeily, Alex Nurdiana, Diyana Safitri Aditia, and Meilia Trian. Apart from that, Ali said that investigators are also exploring other things in the examination.

One of them is the way Amri lobbied Richard before the bribery took place. "Besides that, further investigation is related to the alleged activities of suspect AR in lobbying suspect RL so that the processing of the said permit will be issued immediately," he said.

However, Ali did not specify the method. Later, all the testimony of the witnesses will be disassembled in court.

It was previously reported that when Richard served as Mayor of Ambon City, he had the authority, one of which was to grant approval in principle 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 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 is Richard's confidant.

As for the issuance of approval in principle for the construction of 20 Alfamidi outlets, there is an allegation 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.