KPK Starts Examining Several Witnesses Regarding The Bribery Of Azis Syamsuddin To Stop Handling The Case

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has begun to investigate allegations of bribery given by former Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Azis Syamsuddin to his former investigator, Stepanus Robin Pattuju. This investigation was carried out by examining a number of witnesses, including Civil Servants (PNS) and Bank Mandiri Bandar Jaya staff.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) recently named Azis Syamsuddin as a suspect in the alleged bribery handling of the corruption case that ensnared him. The bribe was given to Stepanus and a lawyer, Maskur Husein, so that both of them secure the corruption allegations that ensnared him, namely the administration of the Central Lampung Special Allocation Fund (DAK).

After the determination of the suspect was made, the KPK on Friday, October 8, summoned three witnesses, namely a civil servant named Syamsi Roli; Bank Mandiri Bandar Jaya staff, Fajar Arafadi; and BUMN employee, Neta Emilia. However, Neta was not present and will be rescheduled.

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, said that a number of witnesses were investigated on various matters related to this bribery case. Fajar Arafadi, he said, confirmed the alleged banking transactions in the alleged bribery.

"The person concerned was present and confirmed, among others, related to alleged banking transactions with other parties related to the case," said Ali explaining the results of the examination.

Meanwhile, for Syamsi Roli, investigators are investigating a number of things, including exploring and confirming a number of things. Including, there is evidence of documents discussing meetings at the Central Lampung Regency DPRD related to the management of the APBD.

Then what about the allegations of the eight 'insiders' Azis Syamsuddin revealed in the trial?

Deputy Chairperson of the KPK, Nurul Ghufron, said the evidence regarding the existence of someone other than Stepanus Robin to secure Azis was still weak. Moreover, the statement emerged from the investigation report (BAP) belonging to the Regional Secretary (Sekda) Tanjungbalai Yusmada.

"It's still a de audito testimony, which means it's not a testimony but conveys someone else's statement that AZ has eight insiders," said Ghufron to reporters at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta.

Even so, the KPK will continue to dismantle the allegations and follow up on any available information. Including, the information revealed in the Minutes of Investigation (BAP) belonging to the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Tanjungbalai City Yusmada.

"All information regarding the alleged violation will certainly be followed up. So that there is information about eight subordinates or insiders, of course then we will follow up if it can be proven," said Ghufron.

"Of course, once again, the KPK is committed to dismantling it all," he added.

The revelation of this allegation emerged during the trial of Stepanus Robin Pattuju at the Jakarta Corruption Court. He was charged with accepting bribes from a number of parties, including Azis Syamsuddin.

At that time, the KPK Public Prosecutor read out Yusmada's BAP and stated that the former deputy chairman of the Golkar Party had eight insiders ready to secure him. However, Yusmada admitted that he did not know who these people were.

Previously, Azis Syamsuddin was named a suspect after he was suspected of giving bribes to Stepanus. This bribe was given by Azis together with the former chairman of the Golkar Party Youth Force (AMPG) Aliza Gunado.

This allegation began in August 2020 when Azis contacted Stepanus to deal with allegations of corruption in Central Lampung regarding the Special Allocation Fund. This case is said to have ensnared him and former chairman of the Golkar Party Youth Force (AMPG) Aliza Gunado.

Receiving the request, Stepanus contacted Maskur Husein to oversee and manage the case, which was then approved on the condition that Azis and Aliza had to prepare Rp2 billion each. It's just that when Azis was arrested, the realization of the money giving only reached Rp. 3.1 billion.