Judge Reprimands Director General Of Former SYL Subordinates When Claims There Is No Demand For Money: Honestly, Many Witnesses Have Been Examined

Syahrul Yasin Limpo/PHOTO: Rizky Adytia-VOI

JAKARTA - Director General of Agricultural Infrastructure and Facilities of the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), Ali Jamil Harahap was reprimanded by the chairman of the panel of judges when he said there was no request for money to meet the needs of Syahrul Yasin Limpo or SYL as Minister of Agriculture.

Ali Jamil Harahap is one of seven people presented as witnesses for the trial of the alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities for the defendants SYL, Kasdi Subagyono, and Muhammad Hatta.

The fall to Ali began when Chief Justice Rianto Adam Pontoh asked whether or not SYL's aide or other general bureau of directorate had ever been asked for money from the Ministry of Agriculture.

"As long as you serve as Director General of PSP, have you ever not been visited by whether the defendant's aide, SYL, or from other bureaus such as the general bureau to you to provide funds, yes, for the benefit of the minister?" asked Judge Rianto during a trial at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court, Monday, May 13.

Answering that question, Ali said there was never a request for money, either through an aide or directly from Syahrul Yasin Limpo.

In fact, when it was confirmed whether there was a request for money from other bureaus, Ali still denied it

"Never, ever," said Ali.

"Doesn't there exist from him (SYL)?" asked Judge Rianto.

"Isn't there immediately from the minister?" asked Judge Rianto emphasizing.

"Yes," said Ali.

"From the general bureau?" said Judge Rianto.

"Never been to us directly. Never been to me directly, Your Majesty," said Ali.

Hearing this testimony, Judge Rianto reprimanded and reminded Ali to tell the truth. This is because the statements are different from other witnesses who have been examined.

"But who is the request? Honestly, we have reminded you not to trouble yourself because this has been examined by many witnesses who were examined yesterday, witnesses have been examined repeatedly. So you ask for your honesty," said Judge Rianto.

Then, Ali answered by admitting that there was a request for money. It's just that the money collection was based on directions from the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) Kasdi Subagyono.

"Usually asked to whom if not to sayara? Secretary?" asked Judge Rianto.

"So, Your Honor, we can convey, if it is related to the disbursement of money or sharing, it is in our warning, we get directions from the Secretary General," said Ali.

Meanwhile, Ali Jamil Harahap was appointed by SYL as Director General of Infrastructure & Facilities of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture in 2021. Then followed up with the signing of a decree by President Joko Widodo or Jokowi.