Again, The Head Of BPN Riau Called By KPK Regarding Allegations Of Bribery In Kuansing

Illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have again summoned the Head of the National Land Agency (BPN) for the Riau Region, M. Syahrir. He was summoned for questioning in connection with the alleged bribery of extending the concession rights (HGU) for palm oil plantations that ensnared the inactive Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Andi Putra.

"Today, the investigative team has scheduled the summons of witnesses for suspect AP et al, namely M Syahrir, Head of the Riau Province BPN Regional Office," said the Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Sector Ali Fikri to reporters, Thursday, December 16.

For information, this is the second summons for M Syahrir after being questioned on 17 November. At that time, he denied that there was any money flowing internally at BPN Riau Province.

Syahrir also emphasized that the process of giving Cultivation Rights (HGU) recommendations carried out by his party was in accordance with the procedure. He says there is no clandestine in the middle of this process.

Previously reported, the KPK named Andi Putra and General Manager of PT Adimulia Agrolestari, Sudarso as suspects in the bribery case for plantation permits. This allegation began when PT Adimulia Agrolestari applied for an extension of the Cultivation Right (HGU) starting in 2019 and ending in 2024.

The proposal stated that each company must build a partnership garden of at least 20 percent of the HGU in the Kuansing area. However, the company actually made it in Kampar Regency, not in Kuansing Regency.

Even so, Sudarso still submitted a letter of application to Andi to approve it. Furthermore, the agreement was reached with the provision of money twice, namely in September of IDR 500 million and October of IDR 200 million.