Expanding The Case Of PPU Regent Abdul Gafur, KPK Alleges The Equity Participation Money Was Used For Personal Needs

Illustration of the KPK Building in Kuningan, South Jakarta. (Between)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed that there was money from capital participation in the North Penajam Paser Regency Perumda (PPU) which was used for personal interests. This was discovered after investigators developed a case that ensnared the inactive North Penajam Paser Regent Abdul Gafur Mas'ud.

"This new investment in several regional public companies was allegedly used by certain individuals for personal purposes," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, to reporters, Tuesday, August 2.

Ali did not specify the amount in question. Currently, investigators are still investigating.

He also doesn't want to speculate about whether or not the investment is related to the Nusantara State Capital (IKN) project. The reason is that the alleged corruption is being investigated.

"So far, we are still focusing on equity participation. Later related to that (related to IKN, ed) we will certainly develop information and others," he said.

The KPK suspects that the inactive North Penajam Paser Regent, Abdul Gafur Mas'ud, has abused his authority in managing the equity participation of a Regional Public Company. This incident allegedly occurred in the 2019-2021 period or while he was in office.

Even so, the KPK has not been able to provide details about the construction of the case or the parties involved in this case.

In the future, investigators will summon and examine witnesses. They were asked to cooperate in responding to the summons because their information was required.

Previously reported, the KPK named Abdul Gafur as a suspect in receiving bribes related to the procurement of goods and services as well as permits in North Penajam Paser Regency.

Apart from Gafur, the KPK has also appointed the Acting Secretary of the North Penajam Paser Regency, Mulyadi; Head of the Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning of North Penajam Paser Regency Edi Hasmoro; Head of the North Penajam Paser District Education, Youth, and Sports Office, Jusman; and the General Treasurer of the Balikpapan Democratic Party DPC, Nur Afifah Balqis as the recipient of the bribe.

Meanwhile, as a suspect for giving bribes, the KPK has named a private party named Achmad Zudi.

Their determination was initiated from a hand arrest operation (OTT) which was held on Wednesday, January 12 in two locations, namely Jakarta and North Kalimantan. From the results of the action, the KPK also confiscated Rp1 billion and Rp447 million in Balqis's account.