Former SYL Adjutant Opens Up About Submission Of Money To Firli Bahuri At Badminton Sports Center

The trial of examining witnesses in extortion and gratification cases in the Ministry of Agriculture with the defendants SYL, Muhammad Hatta, and Kasdi Subagyono at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Wednesday (17/04/2024). (ANTARA/Agatha Olivia Victoria)

JAKARTA - Former aide to Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL), Panji Hartanto admitted that he was ordered to hand over money to Firli Bahuri's subordinates who at that time were the Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The handover was carried out at the Tank Sports Center (GOR), West Jakarta. The testimony began when Panji announced SYL's meeting with Firli Bahuri at the badminton Sports Center. "If outside the service meets Firli Bahuri?" asked the chairman of the panel of judges Rianto Adam Pontoh. "On the badminton field," replied Panji. "Which badminton field?" asked Judge Rianto again. "At the West Jakarta Tank GOR," replied Panji. "I often see the news that there is a clear photo there, at the GOR who is chatting, the Chairperson of the KPK wears sports clothes and the defendant sits beside wearing casual clothes, is that right in that place?" asked Judge Rianto confirmed. "That's right," said Panji. Then, Judge Rianto questioned Panji about whether or not there was a handover of money during the meeting. After that, the judge immediately questioned Panji about whether or not there was a handover of money to Firli Bahuri during the meeting. However, SYL's former aide only ordered to be ordered to hold the money stored in a suitcase. "Was it before they met, that the defendant Syahrul Yasin Limpo and the Chairman of the KPK at that time, Mr. Firli Bahuri, had already held or ordered to prepare a sum of money?" asked Judge Rianto. "I was told to just hold the money, there was a bag containing the money," replied Panji. "Who gave the money, the bag?" asked Judge Rianto. "The bag was given next to the car," said Panji. "Where did the money come from? From whom?" said Judge Rianto. "I don't know about that, Mr. Hatta's money," said Panji. Panji before the panel of judges emphasized that he did not know the amount of money stored in the suitcase. He only remembers that the money was foreign currency. "Then, is there money in there? rupiah or dollar bills?" asked the judge. "Dolar," replied Panji. "Let's remember, this is your statement here, I just remind you, is it Rp. 2 billion, Rp. 1 billion or how much?" asked the judge. "I'm just holding on," replied Panji. Panji also admitted that he received an order from Muhammad Hatta to give a black bag to Firli Bahuri's aide. However, he did not know the name of the aide to the former chairman of the KPK who received it. Syahrul Yasin Limpo was charged with extortion of up to Rp44.5 billion in the 2020-2023 period. This action was carried out together with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture Kasdi Subagyono and the Director of Agricultural Equipment and Machinery of the Directorate General of Infrastructure and Facilities of the Ministry of Agriculture Muhammad Hatta.

This money was then used for the benefit of Syahrul's wife and family, invited gifts, the NasDem Party, religious events, aircraft charters to Umrah and sacrifices. Then, he was also charged with receiving gratuities of Rp40.6 M from January 2020 to October 2023. In addition, he was again named a suspect in the crime of money laundering (TPPU). This effort was made after investigators developed allegations of corruption that was being tried.