SYL Session: Food Estate Becomes An Obstacle To The Ministry Of Agriculture, BPK Asks For IDR 12 Billion

Syahrul Yasin Limpo/PHOTO follow-up Session: Rizky Adytia-VOI

JAKARTA - Secretary of the Directorate General of Agricultural Infrastructure and Facilities of the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), Hermanto, said that the food estate program was one of the obstacles to obtaining the title of Unqualified (WTP). In fact, to get it, there was a request from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) of Rp12 billion.

His testimony was conveyed when he was a witness in the alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities with the defendants Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Kasdi Subagyono, and Muhammad Hatta.

It started when the public prosecutor (JPU) asked the Ministry of Agriculture about the process of giving the WTP predicate. Because, at the previous trial, Syahrul Yasin Limpo had exhibited an award when he was Minister of Agriculture.

Hermanto also mentioned that there were several problems so that the title of WTP was difficult for the Ministry of Agriculture to get.

"Then what is the chronology related to Pak Haerul, Mr. Victor, who was a natural witness at that time, how can the chronology be explained?" asked the prosecutor during a trial at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court, Wednesday, May 8.

"There are findings from the BPK regarding the implementation of the food estate," Hermanto replied.

"There are findings, yes, there are many?" asked the prosecutor confirmed.

"Yes, findings. Not much, but big," said Hermanto.

Hermanto explained that in the process of providing WTP, BPK highlighted the food estate issue. Because, there are many problems found in the program.

"The concern is the food estate, which to my knowledge, yes, sir. Maybe there is, the big one is the food estate if I'm not mistaken and other findings. I don't know the others specifically," said Hermanto.

"For example, for example, the finding of a food estate is a finding that the term is not complete, yes, the administrative completeness. The term in the BPK is BDD, pay upfront. So, that's what we have to complete, and that is not yet TGR. This means that there is an opportunity for us to complete and complete the work," continued Hermanto.

"What year is that?" asked the prosecutor to confirm.

"The activity was 2021, before I took office. But when I took office I immediately faced the concept of BPK's findings. Yes, read the concept of findings," said Hermanto.

The prosecutor then continued to ask about BPK activities from 2022 to 2023. Hermanto admitted that he did not know for sure.

However, the prosecutor continued to search for him by mentioning the names of several BPK people.

"Then, what is the chronology, the witness has met Mr. Victor, Daniel Siahaan, his name is Toranda Saefullah. What did they convey to the Ministry of Agriculture as being questioned?" asked the prosecutor.

"It was said that the concepts of these findings could be the cause of the absence of WTP in the Ministry of Agriculture. Of the many echelons 1, but maybe what is his name including part of the PSP is in it," explained Hermanto.

In fact, the prosecutor questioned whether there was a request for money by the BPK. Hermanto agreed.

"Then is there a request or must the Ministry of Agriculture do that it becomes a WTP?" asked the prosecutor.

"Yes. The request was submitted to the leadership for the value, if I'm not mistaken, I was asked for Rp 12 billion for the Ministry of Agriculture," Hermanto replied.

The prosecutor then asked the party who asked for the money. It was called by the BPK named Victor.

"Yes, (asked) Rp 12 billion by Mr. Victor earlier," said Hermanto.

Hermanto said there was a direction for the request for money to be submitted to his leadership. But because he did not have access, he said he could not convey it.

"I did not accept the direction from the Minister or from the Secretary General regarding it. Only this asked to be conveyed by Mr. Victor, conveyed to the Minister," explained Hermanto.

"Well, how did it end up, conveyed?"

"I don't have direct access to the Minister."

Therefore, Hermanto took the initiative to introduce Victor to Muhammad Hatta as Director of Agricultural Equipment and Machinery at the time.

"What will happen next? The witness said through Pak Hatta. What did Pak Hatta say later?"

"Yes, we will contact the Secretary General and convey it to the Minister," said Hermanto.