Still Investigating Allegations Of Bribery In Bekasi City Government, Rahmat Effendi Et Al's Detention Extended

Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi/DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has extended the detention period for the inactive Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi or Pepen and other suspects. The extension of the detention period was carried out because the investigation into allegations of bribery in the procurement of goods and services as well as the auction of positions was still ongoing.

"The investigative team has extended the detention period for suspects RE and friends for 40 days each from January 26 to March 6," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Ali Fikri told reporters, Tuesday, January 25.

Ali said four suspects, namely Ali Amril, Lai Bui Min alias Anen, Suryadi, and Makhfud Saifudin were detained at the Pomdam Jaya Guntur detention center. Meanwhile, Pepen and Wahyudi are being held at the KPK Red and White Detention Center and M. Bunyamin, Mulyadi alias Bayong, and Jumhana Lutfi are being held at the KPK Rutan in Lot C1.

After the extension of the detention period, the KPK will move to collect evidence. Thus, the allegations of corruption that ensnared the suspects in this case can become clearer.

"The Investigating Team will continue to collect evidence in order to complete the investigation file while still scheduling the summons of witnesses," he said.

In this case, Pepen is suspected of receiving billions of rupiah as a commitment fee from the private sector whose land was acquired for a project belonging to the Bekasi City Government and received compensation. However, he called the money a mosque donation code.

In addition to the bribes above, the anti-corruption commission revealed that Pepen also received money related to project management and contract labor at the Bekasi City Government in the amount of Rp. 30 million. The money was given by the Director of PT MAM Energindo, Ali Amril and received by the Secretary of the Investment Office and PTSP Bekasi City, M Bunyamin.

Furthermore, Pepen received a sum of money from employees at the Bekasi City Government as a reward for their position. However, it did not specify how much money the Golkar Party politician received.

However, the money found from the gifts given by the employees was only Rp600 million left when the silent operation was carried out. Allegedly, the money already exists which was used in part to meet its operational needs.