KPK Investigate SYL Family Involvement In The Ministry Of Agriculture Corruption Case

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

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will investigate the involvement of the family of former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo in the alleged corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture. Moreover, Ayun Sri Harahap, who is the wife of the NasDem Party politician, has been prevented from leaving the country.

"When it comes to family names, of course this will also be investigated," said KPK Deputy Chair Johanis Tanak to reporters as quoted by the Indonesian KPK YouTube, Thursday, October 12.

"Whoever is involved in this case will be thoroughly investigated," continued Johanis.

"Here (KPK, ed) there is also experience. There was a father who used to be the regent and then processed, his son was also processed. Here there has also been a husband and wife then processed as well. So we don't see whether this is family or not family," he said.

"What is clear is that whoever commits a criminal act of corruption must be processed, as long as there is sufficient evidence to fulfill the elements of the article that will be suspected," continued Johanis.

Previously, the KPK officially announced Syahrul and 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 as suspects on Wednesday, October 11. All three were involved in allegations of extortion and gratification at the ministry.

In this case, Syahrul through his two subordinates was suspected of extorting his employees by requiring to pay the deposit every month. The nominal varies between 4,000-10,000 United States dollars.

It is believed that the money collected does not only come from the realization of the Ministry of Agriculture's budget inflated or mark-ups but from vendors working on projects. The money is given in cash, transfers or goods.

This acceptance was then used by Yasin to meet his needs, such as paying for a credit card or buying a Toyota Alphard car. The money that the three allegedly enjoyed was around Rp. 13.9 billion.

The deepening will be carried out because the KPK also found Rp30 billion in cash while searching Syahrul's official residence and Rp400 million at Hatta's house.