KPK suspects Bebizie 'splashed' coal mine gratification money not because of singing honor

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects that the flow of money from PT Bara Kumala Sari (BKS) to DKI Jakarta DPRD Member Bebizie Sri Mulyati was not because he was invited to fill in the event.

This was conveyed by KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when asked about the examination of Bebizie as a witness to the alleged gratification per metric ton of coal that ensnared the former Regent of Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) Rita Widyasari on Thursday, August 13. He said that there was a flow of money from one of the parties of the coal mining company and not related to work affairs.

"We are investigating the receipt, this is not related to his professional activities. But, there is indeed a suspicion of money flow from PT BKS to the person concerned," said Budi when confirmed by reporters quoted on Saturday, August 15.

Budi did not specify who the party was who channeled money to Bebizie who had once worked as a dangdut singer.

However, from the information obtained, the person who gave the money was FJ, the boss of PT BKS.

Returning to the receipt of money, Budi said Bebizie would make a return. "The person concerned has also committed," he said.

After the return is made, the KPK will certainly investigate the motive for the gift.

"Because with the return it means confirming that what is received is related to what is being investigated by the KPK."

Meanwhile, after being examined, Bebizie claimed to have been invited as a performer for a company in East Kalimantan in 2017-2018. He then received honor as a singer and this explanation was conveyed to the investigators.

"Yes, so I fulfilled the call from the KPK regarding the examination, helped the examination of today's case, and I (was examined in capacity, ed) as a singer, filling an event in East Kalimantan so I was asked if there was any connection," said Bebizie to reporters at the KPK Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta.

As previously reported, the KPK continues to investigate corruption allegations related to coal exports that ensnared Rita Widyasari as the former Regent of Kutai Kartanegara. In fact, non-tax state revenues (PNBP) continue to be scrutinized.

It is suspected that there was a receipt of metric tons of money made by Rita in each coal mine exploration process. This investigation was carried out by the KPK as a gateway to investigate alleged money laundering (TPPU).

The KPK then named three corporate suspects in this case. These companies are PT Sinar Kumala Naga, PT Alamjaya Barapratama, and PT Bara Kumala Sakti which are coal companies.

The determination of the corporate suspect was based on an investigation order (sprindik) issued in February. The three companies are suspected of being tools for Rita Widyasari to receive corruption results.