SYL Threatens Subordinates Who Don't Want 20 Percent Budget Potek

Syahrul Yasin Limpo/PHOTO: Rizky Adytia-VOI

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan), Syahrul Yasin Limpo or SYL extorted echelons of one Ministry of Agriculture by withdrawing contributions. In fact, if anyone does not comply with his request, he is threatened with being transferred from his position.

The threat was revealed when the prosecutor read out SYL's indictment in the alleged extortion case of Rp44.5 billion and receiving gratuities of Rp40.6 billion.

"The defendant also conveyed to the ranks under the defendant that if echelon I officials could not fulfill the defendant's request, his position was in danger, he could be transferred or dismissed by the defendant," said the prosecutor during a trial at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court, Wednesday, February 28.

In fact, if anyone does not agree with the directive, SYL asks his subordinates to resign immediately.

"And if there are officials who are not in line with what the defendant said, they should resign from their positions," said the prosecutor.

The order regarding contributions is because Syahrul Yasin Limpo believes that 20 percent of the budget value for each part of the Ministry of Agriculture is the allotment. So, it must be handed over to him.

"The defendant also conveyed that there was a 20 percent share of the budget in each sector, directorate, and agency at the Ministry of Agriculture which must be given to the defendant," said the prosecutor.

One of the Agriculture Ministry officials who had been threatened by SYL believes Momon Rusmono, at that time served as Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Momon was asked to move his car when accompanying SYL to carry out a working visit to Pandeglang in January 2020. The reason was because he could not fulfill SYL's interests or orders.

"In the middle of the trip, the defendant ordered Momon Rusmono to get out of the car and asked Momon Rusmono to move the car because Momon could not meet the defendant's interests," he said.

Not only that, a month later, SYL called Momon to come to his office. There, the NasDem politician asked his subordinates to resign if they were not in line with him.

"The defendant told Momon Rusmono 'if Mr. Momon is not in line, please resign the thorn'," said the prosecutor.

Meanwhile, in this case, Syahrul Yasin Limpo was charged with violating Article 12 letter e and Article 12 letter B Juncto Article 18 of Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 Paragraph (1) of the 1st Criminal Code (KUHP) Juncto Article 64 Paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.