6 Hours More Suspect Of Mega Corruption Rp78 Trillion Surya Darmadi Examined By AGO

Surya Darmadi, a suspect in the case of controlling oil palm land in Indragiri Hulu, Riau, has finished undergoing further investigation as a suspect at the Round Building, Attorney General's Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (24/8/2022). (ANTARA/Laily Rahmawati)

JAKARTA - Surya Darmadi, a suspect in the alleged corruption case over the control of oil palm land covering an area of 37,095 hectares that cost the economy and state finances Rp78 trillion, underwent further investigation as a suspect for more than six hours.

The boss of Duta Palma Group underwent a re-examination on Wednesday, August 24, at 11.02 WIB, then left the examination room at the Attorney General's Office at around 17.25 WIB accompanied by his lawyer, Juniver Girsang.

The Head of the Legal Information Center (Kapuspenkum) of the Indonesian Attorney General's Office, Ketut Sumedana, said the investigation had been completed, but investigators could re-examine Surya Darmadi if needed.

"We will see in the future, if investigators still need clarification, they will be re-examined," said Sumedana, quoted by ANTARA.

Previously, Surya Darmadi had undergone his initial examination as a suspect on Monday (15/8), but it only lasted half a day due to his declining health. The re-examination was continued on Thursday (18/8), but only lasted for a few hours, and was postponed again due to health factors.

Investigators had time to take Surya Darmadi to the Adhyaksa General Hospital (RSU) because he had to undergo treatment in the ICU due to heart disease. Until Tuesday (23/8), the doctor stated that his health condition was suitable for re-arrest.

After undergoing an examination, Surya Darmadi returned to the Salemba Detention Center (Rutan) of the Attorney General's Office Branch. Furthermore, investigators scheduled an examination as a witness for the suspect Raja Thamsir Rachman.

The founder of PT Duta Palma Group was named a suspect in the alleged corruption case of 37,095 hectares of oil palm land in Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau Province, together with Raja Thamsir Rachman as Indragiri Hulu Regent for the 1999-2008 period.

On the same day, the Junior Attorney General's Investigator for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) examined one witness, Teuku Raja Rajuandar, as an advocate at the Law Office of Noviar Irianto and Patner.

"Witnesses were examined regarding the investigation of cases of alleged criminal acts of corruption, namely any person who intentionally obstructs or hinders directly or indirectly related to the investigation of corruption cases in the oil palm plantation business activities carried out by PT Duta Palma Group," said Ketut.

Apart from examining witnesses, the investigating prosecutor concentrates on tracing the assets of the suspect. Ketut said investigators confiscated 32 assets of the suspect Surya Darmadi, of which 18 assets were in Jakarta, 12 assets were in Riau, and two assets were in Bali.

Then, he continued, investigators confiscated a hotel in Bali and will trace the assets of the suspect in West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, Jambi and Batam.

Today investigators managed to confiscate a Bell 427 helicopter with serial number 58001 with a PK-DPN registration number, the owner of PT Deb Air Nusantara.

Regarding the asset confiscation, Juniver Girsang, Surya Darmadi's lawyer, said that his client appreciates and respects it because it is the authority of the investigator.

"He (Surya) just said go ahead," said Juniver.

However, Juniver emphasized that the assets are still in the status quo, not declaring the proceeds of crime or illegal acts. This will be proven later in court

"We need to convey that the seized assets, which have nothing to do with the five companies, will be tested in court," Juniver said.