At The PPU Regent's Session, Abdul Gafur Mas'ud, Andi Arief Admits That He Received 50 Million Rupiah

Chairman of the Election Winning Body (Bappilu) of the Democratic Party Andi Arief (center) (Via ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Election Winning Body (Bappilu) of the Democratic Party Andi Arief admitted that there was money from the inactive North Penajam Paser Regent Abdul Gafur Mas'ud.

He conveyed this confession in the trial related to the alleged bribery in the procurement of services and projects held at the Samarinda Corruption Court today, Wednesday, July 20.

Andi, who was presented as an online witness, said that Abdul Gafur had given money. The donation was intended to help Democratic Party cadres who were exposed to COVID-19.

"That's right (receiving money from Abdul Gafur, ed)," Andi said in a trial at the Samarinda Corruption Court, Wednesday, July 20.

He said the money was given twice. At that time, many party cadres bearing the star of mercy were exposed to COVID-19.

"As far as I know, Gafur gave it in March 2021 and another one I forgot the month and that I didn't ask for," he said.

"Only at that time, sir, don't look at it from now on that COVID hit a lot of Democrat Party cadres at that time. So Pak Gafur gave a surprise by helping," continued Andi.

Even so, Andi refused if this gift was said to be related to the Regional Conference (Musda) of the East Kalimantan Democratic Party.

"Because this is Pak Gafur, since what year have I really paid attention to the DPP, and there have been small employees," he said.

The money, continued Andi, was not given directly by Gafur. He said the gift was made by the inactive regent driver in a black plastic bag.

The gift occurred in the morning. "I asked Pak Gafur. What kind of money is this, sir? 'Yes, it is used for friends who have COVID'. Yes, I have distributed it," he said.

"When I was given Rp50 million to help out, I didn't accept it, sir. I don't know if it was corruption money or not," he added.

Just like the first gift, Andi said the second gift was made for COVID-19 assistance. Only, he did not know the nominal amount of money.

Andi emphasized that he was ready to return the money if it was proven from the corruption crime committed by Gafur. However, returns are made after the case has permanent legal force.

"When I was examined by the KPK, I said, if it was decided that Rp50 million was money from a criminal act, I would return it. But I didn't know it was criminal money. What is my current position, so I'm waiting if it is decided that I will return it, sir," he concluded.