Called By The Corruption Eradication Commission In Connection With Allegations Of Corruption In The Regulation Of Excisable Goods, The Former Secretary Of The Bintan DPRD Turns Out To Be Dead

Acting KPK Spokesperson Ali Fikri (Photo: KPK Public Relations)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) canceled its investigation of the former secretary of the Bintan Regency DPRD, Muhammad Hendri, because he had passed away. He will actually be called as a witness to complete the files belonging to the inactive Bintan Regent Apri Sujadi, who is a suspect in the alleged corruption in the regulation of excisable goods.

"Muhammad Hendri, Secretary of the Regional House of Representatives of Bintan Regency, Deputy Head of BP Bintan in 2011-3013, Member (2) for Integrated Services for BP Bintan in 2013-2016, the information we received was that the person concerned had died," said Acting KPK spokesman. Enforcement Division Ali Fikri told reporters, Tuesday, November 9.

Although Hendri did not investigate, there were five witnesses who were finally questioned on Monday, November 8 yesterday. They were questioned at the Tanjung Pinang Police Office, Riau Islands.

The five witnesses were the staff of the Industry and Trade and Investment Division of the Bintan Concession Agency for the Bintan Regency area & the Head of Licensing Service Implementation Division at the Bintan Regency DPMPTSP, Alfeni Harmi; former Head of BP Bintan, Mardhiah; and Member of the Trade and Investment Division of BP Bintan, Risteuki Napitupulu.

In addition, the KPK also examined the former Deputy Head of BP Bintan, Edi Pribadi; and member (4) Supervision and Control Division of BP Bintan Rafid Anandra. All witnesses were investigated regarding repeated directives made by Apri to get a fee.

"The witnesses were present and their statements were investigated, among others, related to the alleged repeated and continuous directives from Tsk AS to obtain a fee for each granting of quota permits for cigarettes and alcoholic beverages at BP Bintan from 2017 to 2018," said Ali.

Previously reported, Apri was named a suspect by the KPK together with the Acting Head of the Bintan KPBPB Concession Agency Moh Saleh H Umar.

Apri was detained at the KPK Rutan Rutan Merah Putih branch while his subordinate Moh Saleh was detained at the KPK Rutan Kavling C1 ACLC Building.

In this case, Apri allegedly received Rp 6.3 billion in money in 2017-2018 while Moh Saleh Umar received Rp 800 million. As a result, the actions of the suspects are alleged to have harmed state finances of up to Rp250 billion.