SYL To The Former Adjutant In Court: Panji See Here, I'm Your Father!

Syahrul Yasin Limpo/DOK VOI

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo or SYL expressed his feelings to Panji Hartanto. Emotionally, SYL stated that his former aide was his biological son.

Panji Hartanto is one of the witnesses presented by the Public Prosecutor (JPU) in the trial of the alleged extortion and gratuity case at the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan).

SYL's outburst of emotion began when the panel of judges was given the opportunity to respond to the testimony given by witnesses at the end of the trial. The former minister also explained that the relationship with Panji was like a child and father.

"I will convey this, the question is one. But a little use of feelings, which I want to know how Panji feels. This is my son and I raised him to be my aide. I believe him, Your Majesty. And I really feel that this child is always honest with me, my questions, Panji, look here, I am Syahrul Yasin Limpo, you see here, I am your father. You can see, Your Majesty, I will not press," said SYL in a trial at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court., Wednesday, April 17th.

SYL then conveyed his feelings to Panji which were still the same when he was still his superior. Therefore, the witness was asked to be honest about the information presented in the courtroom whether it was in accordance with his heart or not.

"Panji knows my character, he knows my character, he understands me. Therefore, my banner, my question is one. Is it true that the answer comes out of your sincere heart? I don't question material, I'm ready, if I do it I dare to be responsible," he said.

"But then, are you answering this with a rather free condition, are you free to answer this? You are not under pressure, right? Not jpu, not the investigator who pressed you, but maybe your own feelings are very depressed, because I didn't expect it," he continued.

Hearing this, the presiding judge emphasized to Panji about the information he had given during the trial. Panji also believes in what has been said in the courtroom.

"Purni yang dikerjakan hari seperti itu pak," jawab Panji ke hakim.

Therefore, SYL also denied the question of information from Panji regarding personal matters. However, Panji remains consistent with his statement which has even been stated in the BAP.

"Regarding orders for my personal interests, I fully state that it is not true. We will convey the full details when we defend. We surrender to Allah," said SYL.

"Remember Panji, the court is not in this world, the court will be longer in the hereafter. All in the name of justice and truth in the name of Allah. God willing. I thank you, Your Honor, thank you, the Public Prosecutor," he continued.

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.