SYL Calls There Are No Limits On Salurkan Bansos Even Though Party Cadres

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) emphasized that there is no limit to distributing social assistance (bansos). SYL said it was not always on behalf of the NasDem Party when carrying out social actions even though it was a party cadre.

"If only distributing social assistance, basic necessities, in the name of natural disasters and sacrifices to anyone, that's my knowledge, especially since I am appointed as Nasdem minister," said SYL during a trial at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court, Wednesday, June 5.

In addition, SYYL explained, there are no restrictions on the distribution of social assistance by anyone. Provided, the process is in accordance with applicable regulations.

"As long as it is not misappropriated, it is legal. Moreover, it is not for the party name," he said.

The former Governor of South Sulawesi also emphasized that there was a separation between the party and the mass organizations he carried. So, it will not be harmed by interests.

"This is my mass organization. There is a separation between the party organizations and the party itself. That's clear," said SYL.

In this case, SYL 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.