KPK Investigate Money Flows Related To The Regional PEN Fund Application Process

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Sector Ali Fikri (Photo: Wardhani Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating the alleged flow of money to expedite the process of applying for the Regional National Economic Recovery Fund (PEN).

This investigation was carried out by examining four witnesses, including the former Director General of Finance at the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), Mochamad Adrian Noorvianto. The examination was carried out on Tuesday, January 11 at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta.

Apart from Adrian, there are also other witnesses who are being investigated regarding this money flow. They are staff at the regional loan sub-directorate of the Directorate General of Regional Finance at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Irham Nurhali, the state civil apparatus (ASN) at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lisnawati Anishak Chan, and the Director of Financing and Investment at PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur, Sylvi Juniarty Gani.

"The witnesses were present and confirmed, among other things, regarding the mechanism for applying for a PEN fund loan and the alleged flow of some money to expedite the loan application process," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Sector Ali Fikri to reporters, Wednesday, January 12.

During the same investigation, the KPK also investigated the existence of foreign currency exchanges carried out by related parties in the alleged bribery in the process of applying for PEN-Regional funds. Ali said that the investigation was carried out by examining a private party named Lidya Lutfi Angraeni.

"The witness was present and confirmed, among others, related to the exchange of a number of foreign currencies allegedly carried out by parties related to this case," he said. Previously, the KPK admitted that it was investigating allegations of giving and receiving bribes related to the application for a loan for the Regional National Economic Recovery. (Regional PEN) in 2021 in East Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi in 2021.

This allegation emerged after the KPK developed allegations of bribery in the procurement of goods and services originating from a grant from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

At that time, the inactive East Kolaka Regent Andi Merya and the East Kolaka District Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Head Anzarullah were named suspects.

However, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) does not want to specify who the parties are suspected to be involved in. Including the possible involvement of Andi Merya in this case.