KPK Reveals Investigation Of SYL Corruption Cases Conducted Since January 5, 2023

Former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL). (ANTARA)

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said that the alleged corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) that ensnared former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo was carried out since the beginning of the year. The investigation letter is said to have been published on January 5, 2023.

"For the sprinlidik on January 5, 2023, then it went up to its investigation on September 26, 2023," said Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK Asep Guntur to reporters quoted from the Indonesian KPK YouTube, Thursday, October 12.

Asep ensured that the increase in the status of the case was in accordance with procedures. Meanwhile, regarding the announcement of the suspect that had just been made, he said it had become a habit of the anti-corruption commission.

"Regents need to know that when it is declared that they have investigated the case at the KPK, there must be a suspect," he said.

"Then colleagues will definitely understand when the KPK will announce it, even though the sprindik will increase, but it will be officially announced when it will be detained," continued Asep.

Previously reported, the KPK suspected that Syahrul set different rates for his employees who were required to deposit monthly money. This practice was carried out during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture. The levy was quoted by Syahrul through two of his subordinates, the Secretary General (Secretary General) of the Ministry of Agriculture Kasdi Subagyono and the Director of Agricultural Equipment and Machinery of the Ministry of Agriculture Muhammad Hatta. The benchmark of money required to be deposited is around US$44,000-10,000. Deputy Chairman of the KPK Johanis Tanak uang was collected by Kasdi and Hatta through cash transfer, bank transfer, or giving of goods. The source of money used included the realization of the Ministry of Agriculture's budget that had been marked up. "Including requests for money from vendors who get projects in the ministry. Money receipts through KS and MH as a representation as well as trusted person from SYL are carried out regularly every month using foreign currency denominations," Johanis said at a press conference at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta. The money was then used for Syahrul's personal interests. Among them are paying credit card installments to buying Toyota Alphard cars.

So far, the money enjoyed by SYL together with KS and MH is around Rp. 13.9 billion and a more in-depth investigation is still being carried out by the investigative team," Johanis explained. Currently, Kasdi has been detained at the KPK Detention Center. Meanwhile, Syahrul and Hatta did not meet the investigators because they had family needs and asked for a reschedule.