Scandal Kuota Import Volume Two: Bayang-Bayang Lama, New Mode

Illustration (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The case of imported quota has returned to the spotlight. In fact, more interestingly, there are allegations that the former convict in the meat import quota corruption case has returned to playing in the same sector and is getting smarter in regulating fish quotas at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).

Its mode is allegedly using a shadow company network to manipulate the distribution and quota of meat imports.

Some information from trusted sources stated that the former convict of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) controlled a number of fictitious companies registered on behalf of the kroni and relatives, in order to create an impression of healthy competition in the tender for the import quota of salmon and meat.

In fact, all of these companies are under the control of the same actor a systematic and structured scheme to illegally control the market.

Former 98 activist, Irwan Suhanto, assessed that someone who is currently or has served a criminal case is clearly not allowed to get an import business license, which previously ensnared him.

"Moreover, the case in the same case is clearly a violation," said Irwan Suhanto, in a written statement, Monday, April 21.

Irwan firmly criticized this phenomenon and urged the KPK to immediately intervene and reopen a massive investigation into the game of fresh fish quota and national meat.

The former convicts of meat import cases, said Irwan, should not be allowed to become core players in the strategic business involving the basic needs of the people.

"This is a dangerous alarm. We see how ex-convicts like Suharjito still have a strong grip on the quota system. The KPK must intervene." said irwan.

According to Irwan, Suharjito is suspected of being a strong person who has entered the building controlling the quota game at the KKP and the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan).

"The practice of manipulation like this not only damages the trade ecosystem, but also closes access for small and medium enterprises who want to compete in a healthy manner. The price of meat and frozen fish that had soared in several areas is suspected to be the direct impact of a hidden monopoly by a network of corruptors who are not deterred," he said.

The corruption cases that dragged big names such as Basuki Hariman, Suharjito, and Juard Effendi reflect a dark portrait of the relationship between entrepreneurs and power in Indonesia.

Basuki Hariman, a meat import entrepreneur who is widely known, was dragged into a bribery case against a Constitutional Court official in order to smooth out his business affairs.

He was proven to have given bribes to Patrialis Akbar, the Constitutional Justice at that time, so that the judicial review decision related to meat imports benefited his interests.

Meanwhile, Suharjito, Director of PT Dua Putra Perkasa Pratama (DPPP), was caught red-handed by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in 2020 for bribing Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo in the lobster seed export case.

He gave money in US dollars so that his company would get a lobster seed export license which should have been banned.

Juard Effendi, together with Amran Hi Mostary, are suspected of being involved in the bribery case of the PUPR Ministry's infrastructure project.

Juard is the Director of PT Windhu Tunggal Utama and has been proven to have given money to officials of the National Road Implementation Center to win road projects in Eastern Indonesia.

These three names show how corruption is rampant in sectors that should support people's welfare.

One thing is certain that the community will not remain silent. The pressure for justice has been voiced, and the time for the KPK to act is getting more and more urgent," concluded Irwan.