Rahmat Effendi's 'naughty' Behavior Continues To Be Exposed By The KPK, Cuts Bekasi Lurah Allowances For Personal Matters

Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi/DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects that Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi or Pepen has cut the allowances of a number of state civil servants (ASN) including the lurah. It is suspected that the money from the withholding was used for his personal interests.

"There are witnesses from the lurah, their allowances are cut and collected," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, to reporters, Wednesday, January 25.

Ali did not specify the total amount of allowances deducted from the lurah in Bekasi. However, this allegation will be investigated further by summoning other witnesses who also suffered cuts.

In addition, Ali said that Pepen was also suspected of receiving money related to the recruitment of contract workers. This allegation is open, because during the arrest operation (OTT) some time ago, Rp600 million was found.

"Because of the alleged money used for operations from the Mayor of Bekasi, we will investigate further," he said.

Furthermore, the KPK asked the public to be patient. The KPK will continue to summon witnesses to investigate allegations of bribery by Pepen.

"This case is still a long process, we need four months later and I think it will continue to be developed, yes, from the initial information we have," said Ali.

As previously reported, the KPK has named Rahmat Effendi or Pepen along with eight other people as suspects in the alleged bribery in the procurement of goods and services as well as the auction of positions in the Bekasi City Government.

Pepen together with the Secretary of the Investment Office and PTSP, M Bunyamin; Head of Jatisari Village, Mulyadi; Jatisampurna Sub-district Head, Wahyudin; and the Head of the Bekasi City Housing, Settlement and Land Office, Jumhana Lutfi, were named as recipients of bribes.

Meanwhile, the four suspected givers are the Director of PT MAM Energindo, Ali Amril; private party, Lai Bui Min; Director of Kota Bintang Rayatri, Suryadi; and the sub-district head of Rawalumbu, Makhfud Saifudin.

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, he received some money from employees at the Bekasi City Government in exchange for their position. However, it did not specify how much money the Golkar Party politician received.