Chairman Of The Corruption Eradication Commission Affirms Investigators Who Ask For Rp1.5 Billion To The Mayor Of Tanjungbalai

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Firli Bahuri, confirmed that he would take action against investigators from the police who asked the Mayor of Tanjungbalai, Syahrial, for Rp. 1.5 billion. This request is called to stop the ongoing investigation.

"The KPK will not tolerate irregularities and will ensure that it will take action against perpetrators of corruption indiscriminately," Firli said in a written statement, Wednesday, April 21.

Firli said the KPK was investigating the alleged action. Firli also ensures that his institution will apply the principle of zero tolerance in relation to such cases.

The investigation process is carried out by asking for information and collecting other preliminary evidence. He said the results of the investigation would be followed up with a case title immediately at the leadership expose forum.

"We will inform further developments," he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the KPK Supervisory Board, Tumpak Hatorangan Panggabean, said that his party had received information on the extortion incident. However, they are still waiting for an official report.

"The official report has not been received but oral information has been submitted," he said in a written statement.

Previously reported, the KPK was conducting an investigation regarding the alleged bribery for the auction of positions in Tanjungbalai City. This is done after the investigator finds two sufficient preliminary evidences.

"Currently, the KPK is investigating alleged corruption related to receiving gifts or promises related to the auction or transfer of positions at the Tanjung Balai City Government in 2019," said Acting KPK spokesperson for prosecution Ali Fikri in a written statement, Wednesday, April 21.

However, the KPK has not disclosed the construction or the suspects in the alleged bribery. Because investigators are still collecting evidence to complete the case file.

"The KPK ensures that in due time it will convey to the public regarding the construction of the case and its evidence and will explain who the party has been named as a suspect along with the articles of the suspicion," said Ali.

"However, the KPK is committed as a form of information disclosure. We will always convey the progress of the handling of this case to the public," he added.