Nurdin Abdullah Once Received Bung Hatta Anti Corruption Award, Now He Got Arrested By The Corruption Eradication Commission

South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Governor of South Sulawesi Nurdin Abdullah was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Friday, February 26.

Nurdin has been brought to Jakarta from Makassar. However, there has not been a complete explanation from the KPK regarding the bribery case that is suspected of ensnaring Nurdin Abdullah.

Long before being caught by the KPK, in 2017, it turned out that Nurdin Abdullah, who was then the Regent of Bantaeng, South Sulawesi, had received the Bung Hatta Anti-Corruption Award (BHACA).

One of the BHACA 2017 jury members, Betti Alisjahbana, said that the award was given to individuals who continue to strive to develop good, clean and responsible governance, and are able to become an inspiration for efforts to eradicate corruption in their respective environments.

"This year, the 2017 BHACA award is given to two individuals with integrity and is considered successful in innovating in the public service sector and government bureaucracy", said Betti, as reported by Antara, Saturday, February 27.

Betti said Nurdin was considered to have a very high commitment in building a regional government that was free from corruption and advanced.

Not only that, said Betti, during Nurdin's leadership, the Bantaeng economy grew rapidly, the per capita income of the people increased sharply and the unemployment rate dropped drastically.

Nurdin is the first regional head in Indonesia to hold the title of professor. The man who was born 57 years ago holds the title of professor in agriculture. In the course of his academic career, Nurdin had served as the Makassar State Polytechnic Advisory Board.

Not only in academia but Nurdin has also held several important positions in Japanese companies. Among them are the President Director of PT Maruki Internasional Indonesia, President Director of Global Seafood Japan, and Director of Kyushu Medical Co. Ltd. Japan.

Then, Nurdin decided to enter politics by becoming the Regent of Bantaeng for two terms. During his leadership, Nurdin used his expertise in agriculture to bring Bantaeng out of the category of disadvantaged areas.