Andi Arief Again Denies There Is Corruption Money From The Former Regent Of Penajem Paser Utara To The Democratic Party

Andi Arief at the KPK building/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - Head of the Election Winning Body (Bappilu) of the Democratic Party Andi Arief again denied the money from the corruption of former North Penajam Paser (PPU) Regent Abdul Gafur Mas'ud to Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono's party.

This rebuttal was conveyed after Andi Arief underwent an online trial at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta. He was presented as a witness for the defendant Heriyanto who is the President Director of Perumda Benuo Taka and Karim Abidin, Head of the Finance Section of Perumda Benuo Taka.

"Nothing, nothing (a flow of money to the Democratic Party from the corruption results of the former PPU Regent, ed)," Andi told reporters after testifying, Thursday, January 4.

Andi explained that at the trial, he was only asked to explain his testimony stated in the investigation report (BAP). "I was examined about five months ago," he said.

"Because I can't go to East Kalimantan anymore in a sick condition, that's why the online trial is just to confirm the BAP statement," continued Andi.

He then rushed from the anti-corruption building and hoped he would never be called back in this case.

"I don't think I want to come here anymore," he said with a smile.

Previously reported, the KPK appointed Abdul Gafur, President Director of Perumda Benuo Taka, Heriyanto; President Director of Perumda Benuo Taka Energi, Baharun Genda; and Head of Finance Section of Perumda Benuo Taka, Karim Abidin was named a suspect in corruption in capital investment. This is the development of bribery, gratification, and money laundering cases that began with a hand arrest operation (OTT).

The anti-corruption commission suspects that Abdul Gafur cost the state up to Rp14.4 billion for providing capital without a complete study basis. As a result, the budget post was prepared fictitiously.

He was then suspected of receiving Rp6 billion from the capital participation. The money was used to rent private jets, rent helicopters, and fund support for the Regional Conference of the East Kalimantan Democratic Party.