Corruption Eradication Commission Investigates Money Flows From COVID-19 Social Assistance Vendors To Juliari Batubara

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) continues to explore the flow of bribes received by former Social Minister Juliari Peter Batubara from the COVID-19 social assistance provider (bansos) in the Greater Jakarta area.

Investigators carried out this in-depth examination by examining six witnesses from the private sector.

"The witnesses had their knowledge explored regarding the alleged flow of money to the JPB suspect (Juliari Peter Batubara) through the suspect MJS (Matheus Joko Santoso)," said Acting KPK spokesman for the field of prosecution Ali Fikri in a written statement, Thursday, March 18.

The witnesses being questioned were Edwin, David, Wempy, Budi Pranoto, Yogi, and Samsul. Meanwhile, the other two witnesses, namely Eki and Rento, were not present and had asked the investigators to schedule an appointment.

Previously reported, Juliari Batubara was named a suspect in the alleged corruption case in the procurement of social assistance in December 2020. This case ensnared four other suspects, namely two commitment-making officials (PPK) of the Ministry of Social Affairs Adi Wahyono and Matheus Joko Santoso, as well as private parties Ardian IM and Harry Sidabuke.

In this case, the KPK suspects that Juliari received Rp. 17 billion from the two periods of the provision of basic food assistance. This case was revealed starting from the arrest of Matheus through an operation to catch hands (OTT).

For his actions, Juliari is suspected of violating Article 12 letter a or Article 12 letter b or Article 11 of Law (UU) Number 31 of 1999 as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning Eradication of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph 1 to 1 of the Criminal Code. .

Meanwhile, Matheus and Adi are suspected of violating Article 12 letter a or Article 12 letter b or Article 11 and Article 12 letter (i) of Law (UU) Number 31 of 1999 as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning Eradication of Corruption Crimes. Jo Article 55 paragraph 1 to 1 of the Criminal Code.

Meanwhile, as bribes, Ardian and Harry were suspected of violating Article 5 paragraph (1) letter a or Article 5 paragraph (1) letter b or Article 13 of Law Number 31 Year 1999 as amended by Law Number 20 Year 2001 regarding Corruption Eradication.