KPK Ensures Sidoarjo Regent Will Be Processed If Enough Evidence Even Though Supporting Prabowo-Gibran

KPK (ANTARA) building

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) ensures that the legal process will not be influenced by the political situation. They are ready to ensnare anyone if they have sufficient evidence, including Sidoarjo Regent Ahmad Muhdlor Ali.

It is known, Ahmad Muhdlor has just declared support for pair number two, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka. This step was taken in the midst of the anti-corruption commission's move to investigate allegations of corruption in cutting tax incentives and regional levies starting from a hand arrest operation (OTT).

"Anyone as long as the complete evidence is involved must be prosecuted," said Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri to reporters in a written statement quoted on Monday, February 5.

Ali emphasized that the process of investigating corruption cases had nothing to do with politics. "Although we understand the situation in this political year, we emphasize that the KPK is focused on legal issues," he said.

"This means that (we, ed) are talking about the adequacy of evidence in the ongoing investigation," he continued.

Previously reported, the KPK suspected that Ahmad Muhdlor Ali and the Head of the Sidoarjo Regency Regional Tax Service Agency (BPPD) Ari Suryono were involved in the corruption case of cutting tax incentives and regional levies. The involvement of the two was conveyed when the Head of the General Division of BPPD Sidoarjo Siska Wati was announced as the only suspect out of 11 people who were caught in a silent operation.

It was stated that Siska cut incentive funds from state civil servants (ASN) of the Sidoarjo Regency BPPD for Ahmad and Ari's needs. The amount of budget cut is around 10-30 percent of the incentives obtained.

As for the investigation of this case, investigators summoned Ahmad Muhdlor on Friday, February 2 yesterday. However, he was not present and asked for a reschedule.

Meanwhile, Ari Suyono has been investigated and asked to explain about cutting incentive funds involving Siska. He was also questioned by investigators about the use of money obtained for Ahmad Muhdlor's personal interests.