Ministry Of Social Assistance Bribery Case, KPK Examining Intermediary Ihsan Yunus

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) examined the intermediary Deputy Chairperson of the House of Representatives Commission VIII Ihsan Yunus, Agustri Yogaswara who was said to have received IDR 1.53 billion and 2 Brompton bicycles from Harry Sidabuke in the case of bribery for social assistance (Bansos) COVID-19.

This examination was carried out today, after he failed to fulfill the investigator's summons on Friday, January 29.

"Agustri Yogaswara had previously been summoned to attend the investigation on Friday, January 29, but he confirmed that a reschedule would be carried out", said Officer of KPK spokesperson for prosecution Ali Fikri in a written statement, Monday, February 8.

During the investigation, Yogas was questioned by investigators in connection with several matters. This includes the implementation of social assistance procurement in Jabodetabek in 2020 at the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos), which ensnared former Social Minister Juliari Peter Batubara.

"Today the person concerned is present and carried out an examination related to his knowledge, among others, regarding the implementation of social assistance procurement for the Jabodetabek area in 2020 at the Ministry of Social Affairs", Ali explained.

Previously reported, the KPK has the opportunity to conduct a new investigation into the case of social assistance (Bansos) that ensnared former Social Minister Juliari Peter Batubara.

The Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the Corruption Eradication Commission, Karyoto, announced the possibility of opening a new investigation on Friday, February 5. He said the findings that led to new suspects would be returned to the investigation stage.

There is also Ihsan Yunus' involvement in this case not only because he is suspected of receiving money and bicycles through Yogas from Harry Sidabuke. In the reconstruction of the social assistance bribery case, Ihsan Yunus, played by a stunt double, participated in a meeting at the Director of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims (PSKBA) of the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) Syafii Nasution.

This meeting took place in February 2020. Apart from Ihsan, the meeting was also attended by Matheus Joko Santoso as the Ministry of Social Affairs Commitment Making Officer (PPK). Ihsan, who is currently a member of Commission II of the Regional House of Representatives (DPR), is described as having a conversation with Joko and M Syafii Nasution.

The money given by Harry to Yogas was made in June 2020 around Jalan Salemba Raya and was carried out in a car. Meanwhile, two Brompton bikes were awarded in November 2020.

Previously reported, the KPK named a number of suspects in connection with the alleged corruption case of social assistance (Bansos) food packages for the handling of COVID-19 in the Jabodetabek area including the non-active Social Minister Juliari Batubara.

Apart from Juliari, the KPK also named four other suspects, namely the Commitment Making Officer at the Ministry of Social Affairs (PPK) MJS and AW as recipients of bribes and AIM and HS as the givers of bribes.