Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy Becomes Suspect Of Alleged Bribery For Alfamidi Branch Development Permits

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy as a suspect in the alleged bribery case related to the approval of the principle permit for the construction of the Alfamidi mini market retail branch in Ambon City in 2020./Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Ambon City Mayor Richard Louhenapessy as a suspect in the alleged bribery case related to the approval of the principle permit for the construction of the Alfamidi mini market retail branch in Ambon City in 2020.

He was named a suspect along with the administrative staff at the Ambon City Government, Andrew Erin Hehanusa, and the regional head of the Alfamidi retail business unit, Amri.

"KPK conducted an investigation and raised the status of this case to investigation, by naming the suspect RL (Richard Louhenapessy)," said KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri at a press conference at the KPK Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Friday, May 13.

In this case, the KPK suspects that Richard asked for Rp25 million for each permit granted. Firli said the receipt was made through the account of a trusted person, Andrew.

"Specifically for the issuance related to the approval in principle for Development for 20 retail business outlets, AR is suspected of giving RL around Rp. 500 million in installments through bank accounts owned by AEH," he said.

Not only that, Richard is also suspected of receiving a number of funds from various parties as gratuities. However, the number is still being investigated by investigators.

Firli said that the investigation into the alleged bribery case had been carried out since early April. As a result of his actions, Richard is now being held at the KPK Rutan.

He and Andrew will be detained for the first 20 days until June 1. Meanwhile, Amri has not been arrested and has been asked to cooperate in responding to the KPK's summons.

For their actions, Richard and Andrew as recipients were suspected of violating Article 12 letters a or b or Article 11 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes.

Meanwhile, Amri as the giver is suspected of violating Article 5 Paragraph (1) letter a or b or Article 13 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption.

Previously, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) forcibly picked up Richard Louhenapessy after being uncooperative in responding to an investigator's summons, which was carried out properly and legally. In addition, the anti-corruption commission has asked the Directorate General (Directorate General) of Immigration of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham) to prevent the suspects from going abroad.