The Police Have Not Named A Suspect For Misappropriation Of Funds Of IDR 2 Billion For The West Sumatra Dharmasraya Cooperative

West Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Suharyono when giving a statement to reporters in Padang, Tuesday (16/1). ANTARA/FathulAbdi

The police are investigating allegations of misappropriation of cooperative funds reaching Rp2 billion in Dharmasraya Regency, West Sumatra (West Sumatra).

This was said by the West Sumatra Regional Police Chief Inspector General Suharyono after receiving an audience regarding the matter from the Deputy for Cooperatives of the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, the West Sumatra Cooperatives Service, and members of the West Sumatra electoral district DPR, Andre Rosiade.

"It is true that we are currently processing the case, now the status is in the investigation stage," he said in Padang, West Sumatra, Tuesday, January 16, which was confiscated by Antara.

Suharyono explained, initially the case was handled by the Dharmasraya Resort Police (Polres). However, on its way, the case was withdrawn to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation of the West Sumatra Police with the consideration that this case stands out and attracts public attention.

"Initially we conducted an investigation, after finding a criminal act, the case process was raised to the investigation stage in October 2023," he said.

According to him, in the cooperative case where the number of members reached 16 thousand people, investigators have summoned dozens of witnesses so that the suspect could be immediately identified.

The Kapolda has not been able to provide a detailed explanation regarding the case for the sake of ongoing investigations.

At the time of the initial report, there were several allegations that emerged ranging from fraudulent investments to money misappropriated by certain elements with an amount of Rp. 2 billion.

"Whatever the allegations that arise, that is what we will prove at the current investigation stage. We urge the public to give confidence in the legal process that is being carried out," he said.

He also appealed to the people of West Sumatra, especially members of the cooperative, to remain calm and refrain from unlawful acts or that could harm themselves.

Meanwhile, DPR member Andre Rosiade supports and expresses his gratitude for the attention given by the West Sumatra Regional Police by carrying out legal proceedings.

Andre said the issue was also a concern after his party received complaints from the public, especially members of the cooperative, when making a visit to Dharmasraya some time ago.

"As a representative of the people, I will continue to support and oversee so that this case can be resolved by the West Sumatra Police to completion," said Andre.