Opens A New Investigation On COVID-19 Social Assistance Case, KPK Examines Juliari Batubara

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned former Social Minister Juliari Peter Batubara. The examination was carried out to develop a case of alleged bribery of COVID-19 social assistance (bansos) in the Greater Jakarta area.

This inspection was conducted on Friday, August 6 at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta.

"The KPK investigation team has requested information and clarification from Juliari P Batubara regarding the investigation activities that are currently being carried out by the KPK," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Affairs Ali Fikri told reporters.

He said the KPK is currently developing this case. The anti-corruption commission is trying to examine related parties to complete the evidence to find other perpetrators.

Ali emphasized that this case would be thoroughly investigated and the KPK would be transparent in the process.

"KPK is currently trying to develop and uncover allegations of corruption in the implementation of procurement of goods/services related to social assistance at the Ministry of Social Affairs through an open investigation," he said.

"We ensure that the investigation continues and the progress will be conveyed," Ali added.

Some time ago, the KPK called the trial of the social assistance bribery case at the Jakarta Corruption Court as an entry point to investigate the involvement of other parties. Moreover, from the trial, a number of facts were revealed.

Previously reported, the KPK prosecutor demanded Juliari Peter Batubara to 11 years in prison in the alleged bribery case for the procurement of social assistance (bansos) COVID-19. In addition, he was also charged with a fine of Rp500 million, subsidiary to 2 years in prison.

In addition, Juliari was also required to pay compensation to the state amounting to Rp14.5 billion as an additional penalty. In fact, if they cannot pay, their assets will be auctioned to pay the replacement money.

If the proceeds from the auction of his assets are insufficient, he could be sentenced to an additional two years' imprisonment. Furthermore, the former PDI-P politician was also sentenced to an additional sentence of revocation of the right to be elected in public office for 4 years after the defendant finished serving his main sentence.