KPK Investigate Other Parties Participating In Enjoying Bribes From Issuing Business Permits In PPU District

Illustrated (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) continues to investigate parties other than the inactive North Penajam Paser Regent (PPU) Abdul Gafur Mas'ud who enjoyed bribes related to the processing of business permits in North Penajam Paser Regency (PPU).

This was investigated by examining two witnesses on Tuesday, April 12. Those being investigated were a civil servant (PNS), Herry Nurdiansyah, and the Head of the Economic Section at the Regional Secretariat of North Penajam Paser Regency who also serves on the Supervisory Board of Perumda Penajam Benua Taka Energi, Durajat.

"The two witnesses were present and confirmed, among other things, regarding the alleged receipt of a sum of money by the suspect AGM and other related parties from the issuance of various business permits in the PPU Regency," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Sector Ali Fikri in a written statement, Wednesday, April 13.

In addition, investigators also examined an employee from PT Prima Surya Silica named Yora. From that examination, investigators are looking into the application for a mining business permit which must be signed by Abdul Gafur.

Actually, the KPK will also examine four other witnesses, namely the President Director of PT Telkomsel, Hendri Mulya Syam or his representative; President Director of PT Protelindo, Ferdinandus Aming Santoso; Director of Kaltim Naga 99, Setho Bimadji; and Acting Head of Civil Service Police (Kasatpol PP) North Penajam Paser Regency Muchtar. However, they are not present and will be rescheduled for a recall.

"Witnesses were not present and confirmed to the Investigation Team for rescheduling," he said.

As previously reported, the Corruption Eradication Commission appointed Abdul Gafur with the Acting Secretary of North Penajam Paser Regency, Mulyadi; Head of Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning of North Penajam Paser Regency Edi Hasmoro; Head of the North Penajam Paser District Education, Youth and Sports Office, Jusman; and the General Treasurer of the Balikpapan Democratic Party DPC, Nur Afifah Balqis as a bribe recipient.

Meanwhile, as a suspect for giving bribes, the KPK has named a private party named Achmad Zudi. These six people have been named as suspects in alleged bribery in the procurement of goods and services as well as granting permits in North Penajam Paser Regency.

Their determination was initiated from a hand-catching operation (OTT) which was held on Wednesday, January 12 in two locations, namely Jakarta and North Kalimantan. From the results of the action, the KPK also confiscated IDR 1 billion and IDR 447 million in Balqis's account.