The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Concerning The Allegation Of Mark Up For Thection Project: Not Waiting For A Report But It's Easy If There Is Initial Information

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) emphasized that it is not only waiting for information related to the alleged inflation or mark-up of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train gang. They are also proactive in conducting an in-depth investigation.

This was conveyed by the acting (Plt) Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK Asep Guntur Rahayu when asked about the attitude of the former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) in the era of the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Mahfud MD, who was surprised to be asked to report the alleged mark-up.

"We are also not waiting. We are not waiting, we are of course also looking for information," Asep told reporters at the KPK's Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Tuesday, October 21 evening.

Even so, Asep suggested that those who have information can submit it to the KPK. That way, the alleged mark-up can be investigated immediately if it is under the authority of the institution.

"To people who have information related to this, please convey it to us to make it easier and faster," he said.

"Of course we are not waiting, if we know of a criminal act of corruption, wherever there is an obligation for us to collect information related to this matter. So if there is information related to criminal acts of corruption, we collect information and related evidence," continued Asep, who also serves as Director of KPK Investigation.

The information obtained will first be reviewed by the KPK's Directorate of Public Revenue and Complaints (PLPM).

"Just entered into the investigation. Right, like that. Investigation of prosecution and processing of evidence," said Asep.

For information, Mahfud MD through his YouTube channel stated that there was a significant difference in the cost of building a high-speed train per kilometer. The calculation issued by the provider company in China is different from the Indonesian version.

"The alleged mark-up is like this. According to the Indonesian side, the cost per 1 km of theASH train is 52 million US dollars. But in China itself the calculation is 17 to 18 US dollars. It has tripled, right," Mahfud said in the video.

This allegation was conveyed by Mahfud related to the debt burden of theASH project which reached Rp4 trillion in 2025.

He said the debt burden occurred due to a change in the financing scheme from Japan's offer with a interest rate of 0.1 percent to China with an initial interest rate of 2 percent which then rose to 3.4 percent due to overrun.

Even so, the cost of buildingASH per kilometer of Rp780 billion is considered cheaper than the Jakarta MRT project which reaches Rp1.1 trillion per kilometer. However, Mahfud still supports the investigation into the alleged mark-up.

In addition, Mahfud also supports the attitude of the Minister of Finance, Purbaya, who does not want to bear the trustsh debt with the state budget. He asked the government to take a progressive policy so that the debt burden does not increase.