Approving The Construction Of 20 Alfamidi Branches, Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy Asks For IDR 525 Million

Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy suspects corruption at the KPK / PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy asked for an allotment of IDR 25 million for each permit he issued.

This was conveyed by KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri when announcing Richard's legal status. Together with his subordinates, the administrative staff of the Ambon City Government (Pemkot), Andrew Erin Hehanusa, Richard was named a suspect for receiving bribes.

Not only that, the KPK also named an Alfamidi employee named Amri as a suspect.

The KPK suspects that the bribe was given in connection with the permit for the construction of the Alfamidi mini market retail branch in 2020 in Ambon City and gratuities.

"For each approved and issued permit document, RL requests that a minimum nominal amount of Rp25 million be handed over," Firli said at a press conference at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Friday, May 13.

Meanwhile, regarding the construction permit for 20 retail outlets, Richard is suspected of receiving Rp500 million from Amri.

The entire money, continued Firli, was given to Richard through an account belonging to Andrew, who is a trusted person.

"RL is also suspected of receiving a flow of funds from several parties as gratification and this will still be further investigated by the investigation team," explained the former Deputy for Enforcement of the Corruption Eradication Commission.

Firli revealed that Amri often communicated and finally met with Richard. From this meeting, it is suspected that bribery then took place until the permit was immediately approved and issued.

Previously, Richard Louhenapessy and his subordinate Andrew ended up languishing in two different KPK Detention Centers for the first 20 days until June 1.

Meanwhile, Amri has not yet been arrested. He was asked to cooperate to fulfill the investigator's summons which will be sent soon.