Witness Tells The Story Of Billions Of Money Findings In SYL's Private Chamber When The KPK Ransacked

Former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) while waiting for the trial of the examination of witnesses in the Ministry of Agriculture's extortion and environmental gratification case at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Wednesday (29/5/2024). ANTARA/Agatha Olivia Victoria

JAKARTA - Former Household Head (Karumga) of the official residence of minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo or SYL, Sugiyatno, said that investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confiscated billions of money from the private room of the former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan). This statement was conveyed by Sugiyatno when presented as a witness in the alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities for the defendants SYL, Kasdi Subagyono, and Muhammad Hatta. It started when Chief Justice Rianto Adam Pontoh questioned about what Sugiyatno knew about the money confiscated from the SYL family during the search. Then, Sugiyatno agreed to confiscate money. Investigators from the KPK are said to have put billions of confiscated money into a suitcase. "Until finished on Friday at approximately 11.00 WIB. Do you see what he brought?" asked Judge Rianto during a trial at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court, Monday, June 3. "Just a suitcase," replied Sugiyatno. "Did you know that any money was brought?" asked Judge Rianto. "Entering the suitcase," answered Sugiyatno. "The number?" asked the judge. "Forgot, Your Majesty," replied Sugiyatno. "Billions or millions?" asked the judge. "Billions," replied Sugiyatno. Then, Sugiyatno also said that the money confiscated by the KPK was found in SYL's private room. Not only that, investigators are also said to have confiscated 12 weapons. "Is it searched from the living room or in the minister's room?" asked Judge Rianto. "In your private room," said Sugiyatno. "In addition to money, is there a weapon?" said Judge Rianto. "Yes," answered Sugiyatno. "Many?" asked the judge. "If I'm not mistaken, 12," said Sugiyatno. SYL was charged with extortion of up to IDR 44.5 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 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.