Will Face The Legal Process Seriously So Syahrul Yasin Limpo's Reason For Resigning From The Position Of Minister Of Agriculture

Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo. (doc Antara)

JAKARTA - Syahrul Yasin Limpo officially submitted a letter of resignation to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) today, Thursday, October 5. Will focus on the ongoing legal process as the reason for him to resign from the position of Minister of Agriculture (Mentan).

It is known that Syahrul is reportedly a suspect in alleged corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) which is being investigated by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). He was appointed along with two of his subordinates, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture Kasdi Subagyono and Director of Agricultural Equipment of the Ministry of Agriculture Muhammad Hatta.

"My reason is that there is a legal process that I face and I have to be prepared to face seriously," said Syahrul in the State Palace area, Jakarta, Thursday, October 5.

Syahrul said that his letter had been received by the Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Pratikno. "I hope there is no stigma and perception of innocence, meaning to judge me first," he said.

Furthermore, Syahrul alluded to his performance as Minister of Agriculture. He said that this is the first time he has felt the legal process even though he has had a career in the government for more than 20 years.

So, he needed time. Moreover, Syahrul just returned from Europe to represent the country including receiving an award in Rome.

"I am Bugis, Makassar and it feels like self-esteem is much higher than my rank or position," he said.

"Let me face this and give me the opportunity to prove that I am used to taking care of the people. And I hope my parents' advice, my cultural advice from there, if you dare to do brave responsibilities and I am ready to take responsibility," continued the NasDem politician.

Previously reported, the KPK is currently investigating allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture that ensnared Syahrul. Searches have been carried out in a number of places.

At the official residence of Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, for example, investigators found money worth Rp. 30 billion consisting of rupiah denominations and foreign currencies and firearms.

Then, the search was continued at the Ministry of Agriculture's Office. As a result, documents related to the corruption case were found.

Investigators also visited Hatta's house in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta. From the forced effort, Rp400 million was found.

Next, the KPK searched the private house of the Minister of Agriculture in Makassar, South Sulawesi. At the last location, the KPK confiscated an Audi-branded sedan and obtained other evidence in the form of documents.

The findings obtained from the search are now being analyzed and confiscation will be carried out. Meanwhile, the findings of firearms were handed over to the police for follow-up.