KPK Cecar Chairman Of The Gerindra DPD Regarding The Acceptance Of Money To The Management Of Mining Permits In The Case Of The Governor Of North Maluku

Illustration of the KPK building in Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta. (ANTARA-Fianda Sjofjan Rassat

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating allegations of mining management through the inactive North Maluku Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba's confidant.

Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri said this allegation was investigated by the examination of the Chairman of the Gerindra DPD North Maluku Province Muhaimin Syarif. He was examined as a witness by investigators on Friday, January 5 yesterday.

"This includes confirming the role of the AGK suspect confidant to take care of mining permits in the North Maluku region," Ali said in a written statement, Monday, January 8.

In addition, Muhaimin was also questioned about receiving money from Abdul Gani. He is suspected of knowing the handover but did not specify how much.

"Witnesses were present and their knowledge was explored, among others, related to the alleged receipt of money from the suspect AGK," he said.

Actually, investigators will also examine Hamrin Mustari, who is a private party. However, Ali said he was absent so that rescheduling would be carried out.

"Witnesses were not present and rescheduled," said Ali.

In this case, the anti-corruption commission searched Muhaimin Syarif's house on Thursday, January 4. In this activity, investigators brought documents, including electronic devices.

Not only that, the KPK searched the suspect's house from the private sector, Stevi Thomas, who is also a suspect in the case that ensnared Abdul Gani. Then, investigators also made coercive efforts at the office of one of the private parties.

As previously reported, Abdul Gani Kasuba was one of the parties caught in the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) Hand Catch Operation (OTT) on Monday, December 18, 2023. He was secured along with several other people.

Deputy Chairman of the KPK Alexander Marwata said that in this case, Abdul Gani is suspected of participating in arranging the winner of infrastructure projects in North Maluku whose money comes from the APBD. The budget ceiling reaches more than Rp500 billion.

"From the project, AGK determines the amount of deposits from contractors," said Alexander.

Abdul Gani asked his subordinates to manipulate the work as if it had been completed by more than 50 percent. "With the aim that the disbursement of the budget can be done immediately," said Alexander.

Abdul did not directly receive money from the contractors. He uses a holding account held by his trusted people, said Alexander.

"As initial preliminary evidence that went into the holding account in the amount of Rp. 2.2 billion. The money was used for AGK's personal interests in the form of payment for lodging at hotels and paying for the health concerned," said Alexander.

Currently, Abdul Gani Kasuba has been named a suspect and detained. In addition, there are six other people, including the Head of the Housing and Settlement Service, namely AH and DE who are the Head of the PUPR Service.