Judge Asks Process To Become Minister, SYL: Jokowi Before The President Was Under Me

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

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) said President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had been his subordinate in the Association of Indonesian Provincial Governments (APPSI).

SYL conveyed this statement when answering the question of Chief Judge Rianto Adam Pontoh regarding the beginning of being Minister of Agriculture.

"The rating of the story then you were elected by President Jokowi Widodo for the second period, you were appointed as Minister of Agriculture. Is that right?" asked Judge Rianto during a trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Monday, June 24.

"That's right, Your Majesty," answered SYL.

SYL conveyed that his appointment as Minister of Agriculture was not through the path of a political party but professionally.

This is because Jokowi, who was still the Governor of DKI Jakarta, already knew him. SYL and Jokowi had joined the APPSI.

"He was appointed through the path of a political party or because of a political party or where did he come from?" asked Judge Rianto.

"Professionally, I am a bureaucrat, I am the chairman of the governor's association throughout Indonesia for two terms, and Pak Jokowi before becoming president was the Governor of DKI under me, and professionally I think it is part of my reference and second of course it is from the party," SYL replied.

Hearing this statement, Judge Rianto then asked about SYL's position in the NasDem Party when he was proposed as Minister of Agriculture.

SYL said that at that time he was one of the deputy chairmen (Waketum) in NasDem.

"Do you have a position in the NasDem Party?" asked Judge Rianto.

"Ever," said SYL.

"No, when you are followed as a minister?" said Judge Rianto, clarifying his question.

"I am one of the deputy chairmen," answered SYL.

"The NasDem Party recommends you as one of the ministers?" said Judge Rianto

"Yes, it's one of them," said SYL.

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.