Just Freed Last Year, Former Sidoarjo Regent Saifulah Ilah Becomes A Suspect Again At The KPK

Deputy Chairperson Of The KPK Alexander Marwata/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has again named former Sidoarjo Regent Saifuh Ilah as a suspect in the alleged receipt of gratuities. Even though he had just breathed free air from the Class I Surabaya Prison in Porong, Sidoarjo in January 2022.

"The investigative team detained the suspect SI for the first 20 days," said KPK Deputy Chair Alexander Marwata at a press conference at the KPK's Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Tuesday, March 7.

Alexander said that Saifulah often received gifts in the form of money or goods. The gift was disguised as a birthday gift, Eid money, to a fee because he signed the trial for the transition of the gold court.

"Those who provide gratuities include private parties including ASN in the Sidoarjo Regency Government and BUMD Directors," he explained.

The technique of giving it, said Alexander, is usually done directly. Usually the currency used is the United States dollar and other foreign currencies.

Meanwhile, the goods received consisted of precious metal weighing 15 grams, luxury watches, bags, and cell phones. "The amount of gratuities received is around Rp. 15 billion," said Alexander.

Meanwhile, when he left the building, Saifulah denied ever asking for a gift. "I don't understand. Until now there has been no asking for money," said Saifulah, who is now in an orange dream.

He also denied receiving gratuities of up to IDR 15 billion as Alexander said.

"Earlier I heard that there were gifts for all birthdays, nothing," he said.

As a result of his actions, Saifulah is now being held at the KPK Rutan, the Red and White Building Branch. He is suspected of violating Article 12B of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption as amended by Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 20 of 2001 concerning Amendments to Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption.