KPK Searches SKPD Offices, Looking For Evidence Of Alleged Bribery For Ambon City Mayor Richard Louhenapessy

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Ali Fikri (Wardhany Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) continues to investigate allegations of bribery in licensing the construction of the Alfamidi retail branch and gratuities that ensnared inactive Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy. Recently, investigators are currently searching several locations within the Ambon City Government (Pemkot).

"The search locations within the Ambon City Government included several SKPD offices at the Ambon City Government," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri in a written statement, Tuesday, May 17.

Ali asked the public to be patient regarding the results of this search because the team was still working in the field. The KPK will definitely announce all the evidence it finds.

"Currently the activity is ongoing. We will inform you about its progress later," he said.

As previously reported, the KPK named Ambon City Mayor Richard Louhenpessy as a suspect for accepting bribes along with his subordinates, the administrative staff of the Ambon City Government (Pemkot) Andrew Erin Hehanusa.

This bribe was given in connection with the approval for the 2020 Alfamidi minimarket retail branch construction permit in Ambon City. As for the giver, Alfamidi's employee, Amri.

In this case, the KPK suspects that Richard asked for an allotment of Rp. 25 million for each permit he issued. Meanwhile, regarding the construction permit for 20 Alfamidi retail outlets, Richard is suspected of receiving Rp500 million from Amri.

In addition, he is suspected of receiving a flow of funds from several parties as a gratuity. However, the KPK has not stated the number because investigators are still investigating further.