KPK Investigates Bank Loans for the Acquisition of PT Jembatan Nusantara by ASDP

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will investigate the loan from a red plate bank to finance the acquisition process of PT Jembatan Nusantara by PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero).

This was conveyed by the acting (Plt) Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, who initially confirmed the loan.

"This is also one of the materials, yes, but for its depth we certainly can't convey it. But, it is clear in general that this is included in the material of examination or handling of our cases," Asep told reporters quoted on Tuesday, December 16.

"Why? Because it means that there are loans from both parties as well, from the lender, he must see it. Well, this is why it is being investigated? Because from the banking side, of course, it must be prudent when he wants to finance a project like that," he continued.

In addition, Asep also said that the provision of this credit should pay attention to the feasibility of the project to be financed. So, the anti-corruption commission will check.

Moreover, PT Jembatan Nusantara is considered an unworthy company to be acquired. Considering that their ship assets are old and the company still has current debts that are the responsibility of PT ASDP.

"That is also what we are concerned about, of course. When, for example, this national bank decides to finance a project from a state-owned enterprise. Well, he must or the bank must also assess, at least if it is bad, it will be problematic, he can claim collateral that is collateral. It must be entered like that," said Asep, who also serves as the Director of Investigation of the KPK.

"That will be a reinforcement later, whether it is really checked against the objects there. Well, suppose this is 54 ships, yes, are they checked the same? Because they want to spend money," he explained.

The loan made by ASDP to one of the state-owned banks to acquire PT Jembatan Nusantara had appeared in the hearing of the former President Director of ASDP, Ira Puspadewi; former Commercial and Service Director of ASDP, Yusuf Hadi; and former Planning and Development Director of ASDP, Harry Muhammad Adhi Caksono at the Jakarta Corruption Court.

Former Vice President of Accounting of PT ASDP, Evi Dwi Yanti, who was present as a witness, confirmed that the incident occurred after being questioned by the KPK Prosecutor. He was questioned about a loan of Rp. 600 billion to a bank account in the name of PT ASDP on August 23, 2022.

Then, Evi confirmed that the loan was used to pay for the acquisition of PT Jembatan Nusantara phase 1 of Rp540 billion and Rp60 billion.

"Yes, it's true," said Evi.

He also ensured that the payment for the acquisition of PT Jembatan Nusantara was not from PT ASDP's own capital. There was financing carried out by state-owned banks.

As previously reported, Ira Puspadewi as the former CEO of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry along with the former Director of Planning and Development of PT ASDP, Harry Muhammad Adhi Caksono and the former Commercial and Service Director of PT ASDP, Muhammad Yusuf Hadi have breathed free air. They left the KPK Detention Center since Friday, November 28.

They were released after receiving rehabilitation from President Prabowo Subianto. The decision was conveyed by Deputy Speaker of the DPR Sufmi Dasco Ahmad in a press statement with Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya at the President's office, Jakarta, Tuesday, November 25.

Even so, the KPK now still has a homework to drag Adjie who was named a suspect. He is the owner of PT Jembatan Nusantara.