The Child Of The Former Mayor Of Ambon Cooperative Called By The KPK Regarding The Case Of Alleged Bribery Of His Father

Suspect Ambon City Mayor Richard Louhenapessy at the KPK Building, Jakarta. (ANTARA-Reno E)

JAKARTA - The son of former Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy, Grenata Louhenapessy, has been questioned by investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Grenata cooperatively signed the confiscation report in the alleged bribery case for the permit for the construction of the Alfamidi outlet which ensnared her father. He was questioned at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta on Thursday, July 14, yesterday.

"The present and those concerned are willing to sign several minutes of confiscation documents related to this case," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Affairs Ali Fikri told reporters, Friday, July 15.

Apart from Grenata, investigators from the anti-corruption commission have also examined 22 witnesses since last Monday, July 11. This examination was held at the Maluku Police Mobile Brigade Office.

Those examined were private, namely Thomas Souissa; Novfy Elcheus Warella; and Immanuel Arnold Noya who is also Richard Louhenapessy's driver. Then investigators also examined the former Head of UKPBJ Ambon City Vedya Kuncoro; Head of Sub-Division of LPSE, Secretariat of Ambon City, Member of Pokja II Yudha Sumantri; former Head of Industry and Trade Pieter Jan Leuwol, and entrepreneur Fahri Anwar Solihin.

Next, investigators also examined civil servants, Hervianto; Branch Manager Indomaret Ambon City Branch Untung Triharyono; Head of Industry and Trade Office of Ambon City Sirjohn Slarmanat; Ambon Mayor Secretary Nungky Yulien Likumahuwa; Head of PSDA, Ambon City PUPR Service, CI Chandra Futwebunn; Head of Ambon City PUPR Service Melianus Latuihamallo; and the Head of the Ambon City Finance Division Aries Benel Gaspersz.

Not until there, investigators also examined the Head of Spatial Planning at the Ambon City Public Works Agency Alexander Hursepuny; Ambon civil servants, namely Dani Hutajulu and Moddy Passau; notary Eddy Sucelaw; entrepreneur Nessy Thomas Lewa; Head of Ambon City Tourism Office Rustam Hayat; and Chief Health Officer Wendy Pelupessy.

Ali said that of the dozens of witnesses, investigators were investigating the alleged special order from Richard to expedite the processing of the Alfamidi construction permit.

"All witnesses were present and further confirmed their knowledge, among others, related to the alleged submission of suspect RL specifically for the licensing process proposed by PT AM (Alfamidi) to make it smoother," he said.

In addition, the ownership of Richard's assets was also being pursued from these witnesses. Moreover, the former mayor of Ambon is suspected of buying assets through a trusted person.

"In addition, confirmation is also related to the alleged ownership of several assets from suspect RL, which were purchased through the intermediary of several trusted people," said Ali.

Actually, the KPK will also examine four other witnesses, namely three entrepreneurs Hendri Khoerniawan; Martin Thomas; and Tan Pabula, as well as a notary Pattiwael Nikolas. However, they were not present so rescheduling would be done.

Previously reported, Richard and administrative staff led by the Ambon City Government Andrew Erin Hehanusa (AEH) were named suspects as bribe recipients in the alleged bribery case related to the licensing principle for the construction of retail branches in 2020 in Ambon City and receiving gratuities.

Meanwhile, as the giver of bribes is Amri (AR) from the private sector/employees of Alfamidi Ambon City.

Regarding the construction of the case, the KPK explained that in 2020 Richard, who served as Mayor of Ambon City for the 2017-2022 period, had the authority, one of which was to give approval for the principle permit for the construction of retail branches in Ambon City.

For each permit document that was approved and issued, Richard asked for the delivery of money with a minimum nominal value of Rp. 25 million using a bank account belonging to Andrew, who is Richard's confidant.

As for the issuance of approval in principle for the construction of 20 Alfamidi outlets, there is an allegation that Richard received Rp500 million from Amri through Andrew's bank account. In addition, Richard is also suspected of receiving a number of funds from various parties as gratuities.