Minister of Agriculture Lost Contact in Europe, KPK: Just Think Positively, Maybe Get Lost

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Nawawi Pomolango casually responded to the issue of Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo whose whereabouts were unclear. He tried to think positively that the NasDem politician was just lost.

This was conveyed after Syahrul reportedly did not return with his entourage after a working visit to Europe. In fact, the minister was widely said to have been dragged into allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture..

"Just positive thinking. Maybe just lost", Nawawi told reporters, Wednesday, October 4.

Nawawi ensured that his agency would continue to investigate allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture. However, until now the KPK has not taken precautions abroad because Syahrul was already abroad.

As for the information obtained, the anti-corruption commission raised the status of this corruption case to an investigation from the investigation on Tuesday, September 26. Meanwhile, Syahrul left for Europe on September 24.

"What is certain is that the process of investigating the case will continue to be carried out by the fingerprint (investigation) task force", he said.

Adding to Nawawi's statement, KPK Deputy Chair Alexander Marwata hoped that Syahrul would return to the country soon. "And cooperatively fulfill the call", he said.

Previously reported, the KPK stated that there were three clusters of alleged corruption handled by investigators. The details are extortion related to positions, gratuities, and allegations of money laundering (TPPU).

There are already suspects who have been named but have not been specified. However, information circulated by the Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture Kasdi Subagyono, and Director of Agricultural Equipment of the Ministry of Agriculture Muhammad Hatta were dragged into this case.

In the midst of this investigation, Syahrul is said to have disappeared and his office could not even contact him. This information was conveyed by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Harvick Hasnul Qolbi.

Meanwhile, the General Treasurer of the Nasdem Party, Ahmad Sahroni, said that his colleague would return home on October 5. The chairman of the NasDem Party, Surya Paloh, was even said to have given orders.