Bobby Nasution-Kahiyang Ayu's name mentioned in Abdul Gani Kasuba corruption trial, KPK must investigate

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was asked to explore information related to the ‘Medan Block’ in the trial of former North Maluku (Malut) Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba at the Ternate District Court. The investigation of the role of Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution and his wife, who is also President Joko Widodo's (Jokowi) daughter, Kahiyang Ayu must be carried out.

‘All people have the same position before the law. When their names are mentioned in the trial, it is mandatory for the KPK to deepen the role of Kahiyang Ayu and Bobby Nasution,’ said a researcher at the UGM Centre for Anti-Corruption Studies (Pukat), Zaenur Rohman to reporters on Friday, 9 August.

The KPK was reminded not to give special treatment even though the two names are President Jokowi's family. Moreover, every fact that emerges is usually followed up on.

‘That has become a characteristic of the KPK, namely developing cases from one bribery case to uncover other cases,’ he said.

In addition, this investigation also needs to be carried out so that the testimony in the trial does not become a wild ball in the community. ‘If indeed they are not involved, they do the management in accordance with the procedure, fulfilling the requirements and not using katabelece, yes, it will be clearly revealed,’ said Zaenur.

As previously reported, Head of the North Maluku ESDM Office Suryanto Andili revealed the term ‘Medan Block’ in the trial of defendant Abdul Gani Kasuba. This name is often used in the Mining Business Licence (IUP) process in North Maluku.

At that time, Suryanto explained that ‘Blok Medan’ referred to Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution after being asked by the prosecutor. Meanwhile, Abdul Gani actually said the term referred to Kahiyang as Jokowi's daughter who is also Bobby's wife.

Responding to the emergence of this name, KPK spokesperson Tessa Mahardika said the opportunity to summon Bobby Nasution and Kahiyang at the trial was open. Both can be presented if it suits the needs of the prosecutor.

‘If indeed the testimony of the witness in question is really needed in order to strengthen the judge's confidence to decide the case, of course summons can be made,’ Tessa told reporters at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, quoted on Tuesday, 6 August.

Tessa said this experience had occurred during the trial of former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo in the extortion and gratification case. At that time, the prosecutor presented NasDem Party General Treasurer Ahmad Sahroni as a witness outside the file.

However, if it is not directly related to the case being tried the prosecutor can make a prosecution development report. ‘To be submitted to the leadership and decided later, analyzed in an expose,’ said Tessa.

‘Or if there is an ongoing investigation warrant, the information in the trial can be provided by the prosecutor to investigators who are currently conducting the investigation process if the information is needed to strengthen the ongoing investigation,’ continued the spokesperson with an investigator background.