KPK: 2 High-Resolution Satellite Image Corruption Suspects Outwitted Government Regulations

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has explained the reasons for the appointment of Priyadi Kardono and Muchamad Muchlis as suspects in the alleged corruption in the procurement of High Resolution Satellite Imagery (CSRT). The two suspects are said to have cheated on procurement regulations that have been established by the government.

"Since the beginning of the procurement planning and budgeting process, the PRK and MUM are suspected of having agreed to carry out engineering that contradicts the rules for procurement of goods and services determined by the Government," said KPK Deputy Chairman Lili Pintauli Siregar at the KPK building, Wednesday, January 20.

The alleged corruption crimes committed by the two, said Lili, began when the Information and Geospatial Agency (BIG) collaborated with the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (LAPAN) in the Procurement of High Resolution Satellite Imagery (CSRT) in 2015.

However, before the procurement project got underway, the two suspects who had conspired held several meetings with companies. The goal is to discuss the procurement project and lock in the specifications of the CSRT equipment

"On the orders of the suspects, the preparation of various KAK (Terms of Reference) documents as the basis for implementing CSRT directly involved PT AIP and PT BP to lock the specifications of the CSRT equipment," said Lili.

In fact, during the procurement payment process the two suspects ordered their subordinates not to complete them with documents. Allegedly, this was done to manipulate the payment data.

"For the payment process to partners, the suspects are also suspected of ordering their staff to make payments every term without being equipped with administrative documents for the handover and the quality control process," he said.

Previously reported, the KPK named two suspects in the alleged corruption case in the procurement of High Resolution Satellite Imagery (CSRT). They caused state losses of Rp. 179.1 billion.

The two people named as suspects were Priyadi Kardono and Muchamad Muchlis. Both are former officials of the Information and Geospatial Agency (BIG) and the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (LAPAN).

"The KPK has named two suspects, RK who was the Head of the Geospatial Information Agency for 2014-2016," said Lili.

"(Suspect) MUM Head of the Center for Aerospace Technology Utilization (Kapusfatekgan) at the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (LAPAN) 2013-2015," he continued.