In Order To Find SYL Costs To Brazil, Director General Of PSP Mark Up The Event Budget

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

Director General of Agricultural Infrastructure and Facilities (PSP) of the Ministry of Agriculture Ali Jamil Harahap said his directorate was willing to inflate the budget or mark up of one of the activities only to finance Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) to Brazil.

Ali Jamil's testimony was conveyed when he was a witness in the trial of the alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities for the defendants SYL, Kasdi Subagyono, and Muhammad Hatta.

It started when Chief Judge Rianto Adam Pontoh asked about the contribution of echelon I officials at the Ministry of Agriculture, khusunys, Director General of PSP, to SYL. Ali Jamil agreed but only every particular moment.

"Earlier we conveyed it per moment," said Ali Jamil during a trial at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court, May 13.

The judge then questioned SYL's working visit, including one of the moments of dues at the Directorate General of PSP.

Ali Jamil accepted it and explained that the Directorate General of PSP of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture was asked for a dues of Rp600 million so that SYL could go to Brazil. But it is not true when the dues were requested.

"To Brazil, we from the Directorate General of PSP are asked to share Rp600 million," said Ali Jamil.

"During a visit abroad, SYL asked you Rp600 million. Who came and asked you? Is it through your secretary? Who is it?" asked the judge

"As we said earlier, we received the information sharing from the Secretary General and we continue to convey it to the Secretary General 'There is information like this, Mr. Ses, please monitor it'," said Ali.

"Kami dilaporkan oleh Sesdit sebagai KPA (Kual Pengguna Anggaran) itu sesuai dengan BAP kami itu dari sisatan kegiatan," sambung Ali.

Then, Ali explained that the contribution for SYL finally used a budget based on an event. If for example there is an event at the hotel, then the remaining budget money will be allocated for SYL to go to Brazil.

"What was said at that time was an example, for example, there was a meeting at the hotel. At that time there was a remaining budget, that was what was reported by your secretary at that time," said Ali.

"For example, a 5-day meeting, marked up to 7 or 8 days? Is that it?" asked Judge Rianto.

"Please allow, we don't know technically because the realm of the cessit as KPA. We are only reported," Ali replied.

Hearing this statement, Judge Rianto questioned Ali about the source of the money so that Rp600 million could be achieved. This is because the budget for the implementation of the activities is not expected to reach the nominal.

Ali only explained that there was also a budget that was obtained from official travel. Again, Ali only knew that it was limited, did not specify it.

"Where did that shortfall come from, which amounted to Rp600 million? From what activities? Did SPJ also come in?" asked Judge Rianto.

"Initially we were not reported like that. At the beginning it was only reported like earlier. Then there were also reported there were also official trips," said Ali.

"Is there really an official trip? Or fictitious?" asked the judge

"Those are those who know the technicalities," said Ali.

"You indirectly agreed. Okay, close your eyes and know that you finally collected Rp600 million, right?", said the judge.

"Ready, Your Majesty, yes," said Ali.

"This is Rp600 million, it is impossible from your own pocket, definitely from the budget," said the judge.

"Rp600 million collected then who took this money?," he continued.

"We don't know the chairman," said Ali.

Syahrul Yasin Limpo is suspected of extorting his employees of up to Rp44.5 billion during the 2020-2023 period 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. In addition, he was also charged with receiving gratuities of Rp40.6 billion from January 2020 to October 2023.