Mardani H Maming Is Not Only Entangled In Allegations Of Bribery But Also Gratification

Mardani H. Maming/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The former Regent of Tanah Bumbu, Mardani H. Maming, has not only been charged with bribery. He is said to be entangled in allegations of gratification.

"KPK has advanced to the investigation stage regarding the alleged corruption case of bribery and receipt of gratuities for granting mining business permits in Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Sector Ali Fikri in a written statement quoted Tuesday, July 12.

A number of evidence related to Mardani's involvement, continued Ali, were already pocketed by the anti-corruption commission. However, the KPK has not provided further details regarding the determination of this suspect.

"KPK will convey to the public which parties are later designated as suspects, the chronology of the case description to what articles are suspected when the investigation is sufficient and efforts have been made to force arrest and detention," he said.

Ali asked the public to continue to oversee the investigation into the alleged bribery and gratification.

"We really hope for the support of the community to participate in overseeing the process of investigating this case," he said.

As previously reported, Mardani was named a suspect after being prevented from going abroad by the Directorate General of Immigration at the request of the KPK. Before being named a suspect, the General Treasurer of the Nahdlaltul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) was also investigated.

However, after being questioned, he admitted that he was asked for information regarding his problem with the owner of PT Jhonlin Group Samsudin Andi Arsyad alias Haji Isam.

Even so, Maming's name was actually mentioned as receiving Rp89 billion in money in a trial for alleged bribery for a mining business permit (IUP) in Tanah Bumbu Regency which was held at the Tipikor Court, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan (Kalsel).

This allegation was conveyed by the younger brother of former President Director of PT Prolindo Cipta Nusantara (PCN) Henry Soetio, Christian Soetio. At that time, Christian claimed to know that there was a flow of funds to the former Regent of Tanah Bumbu Mardani H Maming through PT Permata Abadi Raya (PAR) and PT Trans Surya Perkasa (TSP).

The money transfer has been going on since 2014. The amount of tens of billions of rupiah is referred to as the amount quoted based on PT PCN's financial statements.