KPK Installs Seals At Labuhanbatu Regent's House During Search

Deputy Chairperson Of The KPK Nurul Ghufron At The Labuhanbatu/PHOTO Regent's OTT press conference: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) searched a private house and the official residence of the inactive Labuhanbatu Regent Erik Adtrada Ritonga on Tuesday, January 16. The search was carried out in connection with allegations of bribery in the procurement of goods and services. "The investigative team has finished conducting a search in Labuhan Batu Regency, North Sumatra," said Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri in a written statement, Wednesday, January 17. Ali said the sealing was also carried out on Erik's official and private residence as well as other related parties. "There are several intended locations including the official residence of the Regent, the private residence of the suspect EAR and the houses of other related parties. Also, the KPK seal was installed in an effort to prevent evidence from being lost, "he said. From the search, there was a number of evidences brought by the anti-corruption commission. “ Specially at the private residence of the suspect EAR was found and secured evidence in the form of banking documents, ” said Ali. Furthermore, investigators will analyze the findings. Only then will the confiscation be carried out. " “ Confiscation and analysis are carried out to complete the case file," he said. Previously reported, the KPK named four suspects related to the procurement of goods and services starting from OTT in Labuhanbatu. They are Erik Adtrada Ritonga who is the Regent of Labuhanbatu, Member of the Labuhanbatu Regency DPRD Rudi Syahputra Ritonga, and two private parties namely Efendy Sahputra alias Asiong and Fazar Syahputra alias Abe. In this case, Erik allegedly appointed Rudi as his right-hand man to make project arrangements whose budget came from the APBD worth Rp1.4 trillion. This process is carried out by determining the contractor unilaterally. There are two projects that are of concern in this case, namely the improvement of Sei Rakyat-Sei Berombang Street, Central Panai District and Sei Lihat-Sidamakmur Street, Bilah Hilir/District, Panai Hulu District. Rudi, who is Erik's right-hand man, then conveyed a 5-15 percent fee requirement for contractors who want to do work.

Efendy and Fazar then agreed on this and prepared citation money at Erik's direction through Rudi. The handover is made through bank transfers and cash. The value of the cash received by Erik through Rudi from the two entrepreneurs reached Rp551.5 million. This amount is part of the promised Rp1.7 billion from the fee money.