KPK Examines Former Social Minister Juliari Batubara Regarding Corruption In PKH Rice Social Assistance

Juliari Batubara (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) examined the former Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Juliari Batubara as a witness today, Monday, December 18. He was examined regarding allegations of corruption in the distribution of social assistance rice (bansos) for the Family Hope Program (PKH) at the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos). Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri said Juliari's examination was not carried out at the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta. Because, he is still undergoing detention at the Class 1 Tangerang Correctional Institution (Lapas). Located at Class 1 Tangerang Prison, the investigative team scheduled the summons and examination of witness Juliari Peter Batubara," said Ali in his written statement, Monday, December 18. Ali said Juliari would be examined as a witness to former President Director of PT Bhanda Ghara Reksa (BGR), M. Kuncoro Wibowo. The former Managing Director of PT TransJakarta is still being detained. Previously reported, the KPK named Kuncoro as a suspect in the alleged corruption of the rice social assistance program for the hope family (PKH) with four others. They are former Commercial Director of PT Bhanda Ghara Reksa (BGR), Budi Susanto; former Vice President Operational of PT BGR, April Chuniawan; President Director of Pressa Energy Partners (MEP), Ivo Wongkaren; advisor team of PT Primalayan Teknologi Persada (P) Roni Ramdani and Richard Cahyanto. This direct practice occurred when Budi and April were allegedly preparing a company that was not competent in distributing social assistance. This incident occurred after the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) appointed PT BGR to conduct distribution.

The value of this work contract reached Rp326 billion. Then, there were a number of frauds committed by Budi and April. Among them are intimidating a number of staff to make engineered auction documents. As a result of the actions of the state suspects then lost up to Rp127.5 billion.