KPK Investigate Allegations Of SYL Launching Overseas But Manipulating As If Official Travel

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects that former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo has been released abroad but manipulated as if he was on an official trip.

Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri said this allegation was investigated from three witnesses, including Harly Lafian and Michele Kezia Sultan Jaya who are owners of Suita Travel. These witnesses were questioned at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta on Tuesday, May 14 yesterday.

"Witnesses were present and confirmed, among others, regarding the alleged flow of money from the suspect SYL which was used for overseas trips as if for official purposes," Ali said in a written statement, Wednesday, May 15.

This allegation was also investigated by investigators against Nur, who is an employee of Suita Travel's accounting, continued Ali. However, he did not specify how much Syahrul used.

Actually, investigators will also examine another witness, namely Fuad Hasan Masyhur, who is the boss of Maktour Travel. However, he is absent from the call so that it will be rescheduled.

"Witnesses were not present and without giving confirmation to the investigative team," he said.

"Rescheduling will be carried out immediately and remind the person concerned to be cooperative in attending," Ali continued.

Previously reported, the KPK named Syahrul Yasin Limpo, the former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) as a suspect in the alleged crime of money laundering (TPPU). This step was taken after he was caught in an alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities.

The case of extortion and acceptance of gratuities that ensnared Syahrul is currently being tried at the Jakarta Corruption Court. He was charged with extortion of up to Rp44.5 billion during the 2020-2023 period.

This action was carried out together with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture Kasdi Subagyono and the Director of Agricultural Equipment and Machinery of the Directorate General of Infrastructure and Facilities of the Ministry of Agriculture Muhammad Hatta.

This money was used for the benefit of Syahrul's wife and family, invited gifts, the NasDem Party, religious events, aircraft charters to Umrah and sacrifices. In addition, he was also charged with receiving gratuities of Rp40.6 billion from January 2020 to October 2023.