Azis Syamsuddin Dragged Into Bribery Case Tanjungbalai Mayor-KPK Investigator, Observer: Nobody Is Immune To The Law

JAKARTA - Political observer from Al Azhar Indonesia University (UAI) Andriadi Achmad believes that the KPK is professional in exploring the involvement of Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Azis Syamsuddin regarding the bribery case of the Tanjungbalai mayor to KPK investigators with the aim of stopping the case investigation.

"If you are already a suspect, you will definitely be subject to the PAW process and dismissal from the political party. Even without going through the Council Court, the internal court factions or political parties will impose sanctions," said Andriadi to VOI, Friday, April 23.

Andriadi assessed that all parties should wait for the ongoing process at the KPK. Apart from not causing a riot in the DPR, the KPK can focus on exploring the case.

"Just follow the ongoing process, because there will definitely be further developments," he said.

He believes that the KPK will professionally determine someone as a suspect with sufficient evidence.

"In a true sense no one is above the law in this country, including state officials who are in fact from political parties," he explained.

The Executive Director of the Nusantara Institute PolCom SRC (Political Communication Studies and Research Center) gave an example of several political party cadres arrested by the KPK, such as former Social Minister Juliari Batubara from PDIP to former KKP Minister Edhy Prabowo.

"At that time as a member of the DPR. Imam Nachrowi, a former Menpora from PKB, was also arrested by the KPK, so no one is immune from the law," said Andriadi Achmad.

KPK chairman Firli Bahuri uncovered bribery collusion related to the handling of the case of the Mayor of Tanjungbalai, North Sumatra, M Syahrial (MS). There was a meeting attended by KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju with the Mayor of Tanjungbalai at the house of Deputy Speaker of the DPR Azis Syamsuddin.

"In October 2020, SRP (Stepanus Robin Pattuju, KPK investigator) held a meeting with MS (Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial) at the AZ official residence (Azis Syamsuddin) Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Parliament," said Firli Bahuri at a press conference at the KPK building, Thursday , The evening of April 22nd.

During the meeting, Firli Bahuri mentioned that Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Azis Syamsuddin, introduced KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP) with the Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial (MS).

"Because it is suspected that MS has a problem related to the investigation of suspected corruption in the Tanjung Balai City Government which is being carried out by the KPK so that it does not go up to the investigation stage and asks SRP to help so that later the investigation problem is not followed up by the KPK," he explained.

Following up on the meeting at the house of Deputy Speaker of the DPR Azis Syamsuddin, KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP) introduced lawyer Maskur Husain (MH) to the Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial (MS).

"SRP together with MH (Maskur Husain, lawyer) agreed to make a commitment with MS (Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial) regarding the investigation of alleged corruption in the Tanjungbalai City Government not to be followed up by the KPK by preparing Rp1.5 billion," said Firli.

Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial approved the request of KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP) and lawyer Maskur Husain (MH). MS transferred money through the account of Riefka Amalia, a friend of a KPK investigator. The Mayor of Tanjungbalai also gave cash to KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP).

"Until the total money that SRP has received is Rp1.3 billion," he said.

"After the money was received, SRP reiterated to MS with a guarantee of certainty that the investigation into the alleged corruption in the Tanjung Balai City Government would not be followed up by the KPK," he added.

From the money given by the Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial, lawyer Maskur Husain received a total of Rp.525 million through KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP). MH is suspected of also receiving money from other parties of around Rp. 200 million.

"Meanwhile, the SRP (KPK investigator) from October 2020 to April 2021 is also suspected of receiving money from other parties through bank transfer in the name of RA (Riefka Amalia) amounting to Rp.438 million," said Firli.