Unscrupulous Ambon City Government Officials Caught Destroying Evidence Of Alleged Bribery Of Alfamidi's Permit

DOK VOI

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed that an employee of the Ambon City Government Housing and Settlement Area Service had destroyed files related to the alleged bribery in the licensing principle for the construction of Alfamidi outlets in Ambon City.

The bribery allegation ensnared the inactive Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy. He allegedly received Rp500 million to approve the construction of 20 Alfamidi branches.

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, said that investigators obtained this finding on Tuesday, May 17. The employee committed the act of destroying evidence because his superior ordered him to.

"The KPK investigation team found an employee of the Ambon City Government Housing and Settlement Area Service who allegedly, on the orders of his superiors, took action to destroy various documents suspected of having a connection with this case," Ali said in a written statement to reporters, Wednesday, May 18.

Upon this finding, the KPK immediately secured and examined the unnamed employee. This was done to explore the motive for his actions.

Ali reminded that similar incidents should not happen again. Moreover, the KPK has issued an ultimatum that no party should hinder the work of the investigative team.

"If it is found that certain parties intend to take such action, the KPK will not hesitate and will firmly apply the legal rules as stated in Article 21 of the Anti-Corruption Law," he said.

In Article 21 of the Anti-Corruption Law it is stated:

"Everyone who intentionally prevents, hinders, or thwarts directly or indirectly the investigation, prosecution and examination in court of suspects and defendants or witnesses in corruption cases, shall be punished with imprisonment for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 12 years. and or a minimum fine of Rp. 150 million and a maximum of Rp. 600 million."

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 anti-corruption commission suspected that Richard had 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.