SYL Receives The Consequences Of Being Imprisoned No Matter How Long The Sentence Is

The defendant in the bribery and gratification case Syahrul Yasin Limpo at the trial (Rizky AP/VOI)

JAKARTA - Former Indonesian Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo or SYL stated that he was ready to bear all legal consequences related to cases of alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities involving him. Including imprisonment.

SYL made this statement when he was invited to respond to the statements of the witnesses presented at the trial, Monday, May 6. They are the former Head of the Household Sub-Division for the Leadership of the General Bureau and Procurement of the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) Raden Kiky Mulya Putra and Coordinator of Kerusipan and Business Administration of the General Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), Rezki Yudistira Saleh.

"Your Majesty, the witnesses I respect, my brothers and sisters. Sorry Your Majesty, there are 3 that I want to get an honest answer, the answer is to be honest, I am already in prison, I am ready. Therefore, just answer honestly," said SYL.

Then, on that occasion, SYL also asked the witnesses about whether or not they had heard directly about the request for money verbally or in writing.

"First of all, have you ever heard my direct orders to ask, to do what was asked, both verbal and written?" asked SYL.

"No sir," replied Rezki.

"Kiky?" asked SYL.

"No," replied Kiky.

After that, SYL showed off about the Ministry of Agriculture under his leadership winning various awards. At least, there are 72 world and national level achievements.

"Including the 72 awards, including the KPK awards, have you heard of them?" asked SYL.

"Ever, sir," said Rezki.

SYL then mentioned the handling of COVID-19 by the Ministry of Agriculture. Not to forget to ask questions about the handling of the dangers of el nino andANTraks.

"Lastly, sorry Your Majesty. Have you ever known that there was a COVID-19 disaster for 3 years? We are asked to intervene completely uniquely to regulate 280 million food people?" asked SYL.

"Ready ever, sir," replied Kiky.

"Have you heard of El Nino? The danger is el nino?" asked SYL.

"Ever, sir," replied Rezki.

"Have you never heard of any antrax that threatens all our animals we've heard of?" asked SYL.

"Ever, sir," replied Rezki.

SYL also claimed that this problem could be resolved by the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture well under his leadership. He also admitted that he would be ready to accept any punishment in his rasuah case.

"And we can handle it, Your Honor. I'm sorry, I don't need it, no matter how fair I am, Your Honor. The important thing is that I want this to be heard. Why Your Honor? Because I really hope that this journey is completely fair, I am currently ready. I'm very happy with the answer," concluded SYL.

Meanwhile, 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.