SYL Feels Framing Can Change Echelon I As Soon As Possible Even Though The President's TPA Must Be

Former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (DOK Rizky AP/VOI)

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo or SYL feels that the testimony of the witnesses framing him can replace echelon I officials at the Ministry of Agriculture at will. In fact, the process of replacing echelon I in the ministry must pass the Presidential Final Assessment Team (TPA). "It's always framed as if Syahrul can replace as well as Minister of Echelon I. Even though echelon I is not easy to replace. It must go through the Presidential TPA," SYL said in a trial at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court, Monday, June 3. In fact, SYL had confirmed this to the Head of the Agricultural HR Counseling and Development Agency, Dedi Nursyamsi. "Prof. Dedi knows that?" asked SYL. "You know," replied Dedi agreeing. During the trial process, several witnesses who were echelon I often concluded that Syahrul Yasin Limpo would remove them from their positions if they did not deposit some money to meet their needs. 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 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.