Often Mentioned In The Ministry Of Agriculture's Corruption Trial, Prosecutors Will Present SYL's Children

Syahrul Yasin Limpo arrived at the KPK building in a handcuffed condition in Jakarta, Thursday (12/10/2023). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutor will summon family member Syharul Yasin Limpo or SYL to hear his testimony as a witness at the trial of the alleged extortion and gratification case at the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan).

The plan to summon it was because the names of SYL's wives and children were often mentioned by witnesses regarding the use of non-budget funds from the Ministry of Agriculture in the trial.

"Those who have been mentioned, Kemal Rendindo, Tita, Mrs. Ayun (SYL's wife) can also be summoned, because the BAP is there," said KPK prosecutor Meyer Simanjuntak as quoted on Thursday, April 25.

However, it is not certain about the time to summon SYL's wife and children. This is because the prosecutor will first present Ministry of Agriculture officials to be witnesses.

"We will first finish everything internally, the main case is according to the indictment, later we will summon all of his family," he said.

On the other hand, regarding SYL's wife and children who have disbelief rights, Meyer said that later they would not be witnesses for Syahrul Yasin Limpo. Instead, for Kasdi Subagyo and Muhammad Hatta who are also defendants.

"Yes, it's just that they have the right to deny in the SYL case. But this is Kasdi and Hatta, he can't resign there. At least we check in those two cases, they have to testify, they can't resign there," Meyer said.

In the case of alleged extortion and gratification, Syahrul Yasin Limpo was charged with extortion of up to Rp44.5 billion during 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, NasDem Party, religious events, aircraft charters to Umrah and sacrifices. In addition, he was also charged with receiving gratuities amounting to Rp40.6 M