Banjarnegara Regent Denies Accepting IDR2.1 Billion, KPK: We Have Strong Evidence

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirms that it has strong evidence to name Banjarnegara Regent Budhi Sarwono as a suspect in alleged corruption in project procurement at the Banjarnegara Regency Government.

This was conveyed in response to Budhi Sarwono's statement that he had never received a fee of IDR 2.1 billion from the private sector for working on certain projects in his area.

"KPK already has strong evidence according to the law regarding the alleged corruption crime, so this case has moved to the investigation stage," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Ali Fikri told reporters, Saturday, September 4.

He then asked Budhi Sarwono and other parties suspected of being involved in this case to be cooperative by explaining the actual facts.

"KPK hopes that the suspect and other parties that we will summon and examine will act cooperatively by explaining the actual facts that are known to investigators," said Ali.

Previously reported, Budhi Sarwono denied receiving fees from various infrastructure project works. He delivered the rebuttal after being named a suspect on Friday night, September 3.

"I was suspected of receiving Rp2.1 billion in money. Please show me who gave it, to whom, please show it and who gave it to me. God willing, I have never received gifts from all of the contractors," said Banjarnegara Regent Budhi at the KPK building , Jakarta, Friday, September 4.

"I never received at all. Please show who gave who," he added.

In addition, he also denied ownership of the Bumi Redjo company. According to him, the company does not belong to him but belongs to his parents.

"The Bumi Redjo company belongs to my parents, not mine. Not participating (the project, ed)," said Budhi.

The receipt of this money began when in September 2017, Budhi was inaugurated as the Regent of Banjarnegara. After being official, he ordered Kedy as his confidant to lead a coordination meeting attended by representatives of the construction service association in Banjarnegara Regency.

The meeting was held in a restaurant. In the meeting, as directed by Budhi, Kedy conveyed that the project work package in Banjarnegara Regency would be relaxed by increasing the estimated price by 20 percent of the project value.

In addition, companies that wish to obtain infrastructure procurement projects are required to provide tribute or a commitment fee of 10 percent of the project value.

After the first meeting, then another meeting was held at Budhi Sarwono's private house. At that time, representatives of the Gapensi Banjarnegara association were present and Budhi again conveyed what Kedy had said.

Not only asking for a fee commitment, Budhi was also named a suspect because he played an active role in the implementation of the infrastructure work auction. Firli said, the Banjarnegara Regent participated directly in distributing work packages at the PUPR Service, including family companies, and arranging the auction winners.

Meanwhile, Kedy is always monitored and directed by Budhi, especially when making arrangements for the division of work. This is intended so that companies that are members of the Bumi Redjo group can splash out on procurement projects.