Who Can Predict BPK's Reaction Asked By Journalists About The Splash Of Corruption Money For Social Assistance?

Former Minister of Social Affairs, Juliari Batubara (Source: Ministry of Social Affairs)

JAKARTA - The Financial Supervisory Agency (BPK), through its members, Achsanul Qosasih, is reluctant to respond to the testimony of the COVID-19 social assistance bribery trial. The testimony states that there was Rp1 billion as operational funds flowing to the institution.

Instead of answering this question, he said that his party was focusing on conducting an audit of the social assistance program through the Ministry of Social Affairs. "I am currently checking social assistance. Not finished yet," said Achsanul when contacted by reporters, Wednesday, March 10.

For him, this task is far more important than answering the testimony of former Ministry of Social Affairs' commitment maker (PPK) Matheus Djoko Santoso who is also a suspect in receiving bribes, along with former Social Minister Juliari Peter Batubara.

In addition, his reluctance to answer was also for fear of being politicized. "So as not to interfere with the examination, so be it. Because I am afraid of being politicized," he said.

The flow of funds suspected of bribery for social assistance of the Ministry of Social Affairs

During the trial of alleged social assistance bribery with the defendants Harry Van Sidabukke and Ardian Iskandar Maddanatja, Juliari Batubara's former subordinate, Matheus Joko Santoso said that the fee of IDR 10,000 per package collected from vendors amounted to IDR 16.7 billion.

However, Juliari Peter Batubara only received Rp. 14.7 billion from the total quoted money. The statement regarding the provision of social assistance fees to Juliari began when the prosecutor read out the contents of the Investigation Report (BAP) from Matheus regarding this matter.

Then, the prosecutor asked him to detail the delivery of the money. "BAP of Rp. 14.7 billion in total given to the Minister of Social Affairs, (total fee) of Rp. 16.7 billion, what are the details?" asked the prosecutor during a trial at the Corruption Court, Jakarta, Monday, March 8.

Matheus also agreed with the contents of the indictment. He said, the fee was given in stages but always through Adi Wahyono. All the money has already been given.

"It is more or less true. I try to convey (the details) here, for the delivery to the minister through Pak Adi, Rp. 8.4 billion, given in stages. Rp. 2 billion in money, for what you don't know, just ask to hand it over," Matheus replied.

"Then I conveyed Rp3 billion in Pak Adi's room as well as the information to pay for lawyers, then I submitted Rp1.4 billion in Pak Adi's room, then I conveyed Rp2 billion at Halim Airport when I wanted to go to Semarang, I conveyed it to Mr. Adi in the parking lot. , "he continued.

In addition, Matheus also said that the COVID-19 social assistance fee was given to several officials at the Ministry of Social Affairs. There was even a colleague of Juliari who was given Rp. 100 million. This was discovered when the prosecutor read out the BAP again which Matheus agreed.

"KPA Bansos Corona Adi Wahyono Rp1 billion, Director General Linjamsos, Ministry of Social Affairs Pepen Nazarudin Rp1 billion, Karo Planning Adi Karyono Rp.550 million, Karopeg Kemensos Amin Rahardjo Rp100 million, PSKBS Director Sunarti Rp100 million, Ministry of Social Affairs staff Robbin Rp.300 million, Yogi Social Assistance Team Rp.300 million, ISkandar Rp. 250 million, Ministry of Social Affairs Rizki staff Rp. 350 million, Team Bansos Firman Rp. 250 million, and Reinhan Rp. 70 million, "said the prosecutor.

"Yes, that's right," replied Matheus.

Furthermore, he also mentioned that there was a provision of Rp1 billion to the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) as operational funds. However, Matheus admitted that he did not remember who received the money and that the handover was made at a cafe.

In addition, a portion of the social assistance fee is used to pay bills for activities of the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos). Including, paying the artist Cita Citata when filling out a meeting in Labuan Bajo.

Acting KPK spokesperson for prosecution Ali Fikri spoke about the mention of a number of names during the trial. His side, he said, would first hear testimony from other parties to trace the statements that had been delivered at the trial.

"Next, further analysis will be carried out in the letter of demand," Ali said when contacted by VOI, Tuesday, March 9.

He asked the public to follow and oversee the proceedings of the alleged bribery for the provision of social assistance (bansos) for COVID-19. "We invite the public to continue to follow and supervise the trial which is open to the public," he concluded.

BERNAS Others