KPK questioned mining boss Setyo Mardanus on mining business in North Maluku

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has finished examining the mine boss, Setyo Mardanus as a witness to allegations of corruption and the non-active North Maluku Governor's money laundering (TPPU) Abdul Gani Kasuba.

He was questioned by investigators about his business activities in the area.

"(Checked, red) related to the mining business in North Maluku," said KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika to reporters at the KPK's Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Tuesday, July 23.

Tessa has not detailed whether Setyo gave Abdul Gani Kasuba anything to him. However, he confirmed that there was a connection in this case so that this entrepreneur was summoned.

"What is clear is his involvement. How his involvement is still being investigated by investigators," said the spokesman with the background of the investigator.

Actually, investigators also summoned five other witnesses in this case. However, they were not present and asked for a reschedule.

The five witnesses are La Ode Muhammad Saiful Akbar (LMSA) who is PT Sowite Karya Utama in 2019; Director of PT Pratama Siwalima Sentosa, Christy Marino (CM); Beni (BN) and Eliya Gabrina Bachmid (EGB) who are private parties; and an entrepreneur named Silfana Bachmid (SB).

Based on records on the Advocacy Mining Network (JATAM) website, Setyo Mardanus is a close person to the Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia. He is referred to as the President Director and 5 percent shareholder in PT MAP Surveillance and 50 percent Commissioner and shareholder at PT Karya Bersama Mineral.

Not only that, he also holds a 50 percent stake in PT Berkarya Bersama Halmahera, President Commissioner of PT Duta Halmahera Lestari, Commissioner of PT Tataran Media Sarana, and Commissioner of PT Kacci Purnama Indah.

Previously reported, the KPK named the inactive North Maluku Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba as a suspect in the alleged crime of money laundering (TPPU). The value of this fraudulent practice reached Rp. 100 billion based on a number of evidences pocketed by investigators.

The determination of this suspect was carried out as the development of the alleged bribery of goods and services procurement projects as well as the granting of permits within the North Maluku Provincial Government. He has been detained along with five other suspects since December 20 after being caught in a hand arrest operation (OTT).

The five suspects are the Head of the North Maluku Provincial Government Housing and Settlement Office, Adnan Hasanudin; Head of PUPR PUPR Maluku Provincial Government Daud Ismail; Head of BPPBJ North Maluku Provincial Government Ridwan Arsan; Ramadhan Ibrahim who is Abdul Gani's aide and the private sector, namely Stevi Thomas and Kristian Wuisan.