KPK Denies Making Letter Of Recommendation Deactivated Sudewo: Not Our Authority

KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has denied making a letter of recommendation to the Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) and President Prabowo Subianto to ask Pati Sudewa Regent alias Sudewo to be disabled. This institution confirms that it has no authority.

This was conveyed by KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo when asked about the recommendation for deactivation of Regent Pati Sudewo as conveyed by one of the field coordinators of Pati residents who went to the KPK office, Supriyono alias Botok.

"That is not the authority of the KPK related to the deactivation of regional heads," Budi told reporters at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Monday, September 1.

Budi said that the KPK is currently focusing on investigating allegations of bribery in the construction of a train line at the Director General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub). "The case is still under investigation," he said.

He also emphasized that the investigation into the alleged bribery that was still ongoing could be proven by summoning Sudewo last week. "Investigators are still investigating, analyzing every information from both witnesses and investigation efforts," said Budi.

Meanwhile, on a separate occasion, Budi explained that he had answered the request of Pati residents by letter. One of the points is to ensure that the alleged bribery that dragged Sudewo will be resolved.

"We will convey the updates. Like that," explained Budi.

Supriyono alias Botok as the coordinator of the United Pati Community Alliance field action admitted that the KPK issued a recommendation letter for the government to deactivate Sudewa alias Sudewo as Regent of Pati. This regulation will be sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) and President Prabowo Subianto.

This statement was conveyed after an audience with the KPK. It is known that around 350 Pati residents came to the KPK office using five large buses to urge the KPK to designate Sudewo as a suspect.

"The point is that the KPK will coordinate today to issue a letter of recommendation for the deactivation of Regent Pati Sudewo," Supriyono told reporters at the location, Monday, September 1.

Supriyono said Pati residents were waiting for the letter to be issued. They will also get a copy.

"The result is that we were told to wait, yes, there is no certainty for the hours, there is no certainty. The point is that the KPK will coordinate internally to issue a letter of recommendation for the deactivation of Regent Pati Sudewo," he said.