Former KPK Spokesperson Febri Diansyah Also Received Rp3.1 Billion To Defend SYL Cs: Until Looking For Loans

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

JAKARTA - Former spokesman for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Febri Diansyah not only received Rp800 million as a lawyer honorarium. But also received Rp3.1 billion to defend the three defendants in the alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities for three, namely Syahrul Yasin Limpo or SYL, Kasdi Subagyono, and Muhammad Hatta.

Febri received the billions of money when the case entered the investigation stage.

"So for the investigation process, the total value is Rp. 3.1 billion for three clients and at that time we signed PJH (law service agreement) around October 10 or 11 after the Minister of SYL had resigned as minister of agriculture. Because of the resignation on October 6, as I remember," said Febri Diansyah during a trial at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court, Monday, June 3.

In his testimony, Febri said that SYL paid the honorarium using personal money. Because, at that time the former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) was looking for a loan.

"Pak SYL also said firmly that the funds came from individuals. Even at that time, Mr. Syahrul said to one of the people who were there to find a loan first and in that situation, payments have not been made," he said.

"At the time of payment, both Mr. SYL, Mr. Kasdi, and Mr. Hatta were already in the process of being detained at the KPK. As far as I remember, it was 12 or 14," continued Febri.

Hearing the testimony, Chief Judge Rianto Adam Pontoh questioned the source of the honorarium payment funds. Then, Febri reiterated that all of them used the defendant's personal money.

"Has IDR 3.1 billion been received?" asked Judge Rianto.

"Yes," replied Febri.

"Do you know it's personal money or the Ministry of Agriculture?" asked Judge Rianto asserted.

"His Majesty's personal money," said Febri.

In this case, SYL was charged with extortion of up to Rp44.5 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 is used for the benefit of Syahrul's wife and family, invited gifts, 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