SYL Feels Defamed By Adjutants On Fee 20 Percent: Take Advantage Of The Position Close To The Minister

Syahrul Yasin Limpo/PHOTO: Rizky Adytia-VOI

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) said his former aide, Panji Harjanto, had accused him of underlying information engineering.

He made this statement while reading the memorandum of defense at the trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Friday, July 5.

SYL initially told of the beginning of appointing Panji as his aide. It is said, if a figure is considered to have good competence.

"In this trial process, I see that I have the heart to accuse and slander someone I consider close to me. Brother Panji, who at that time I was appointed as an aide, because he considered having a job background for Ministry of Agriculture employees who were young and free of interest," said SYL.

"Hopefully I will be able to guard me and carry out the duties of things that harm me as a minister," he continued.

However, over time, while still in court, Panji actually accused him of baseless things. In fact, taking advantage of his position which is close to a minister.

"However, unexpectedly throwing baseless accusations with various assumptions and information by utilizing the position as the closest person to the minister and serving at all times beside the minister," said SYL.

SYL also conveyed accusations that Panji's accusations were not only directed at him. Instead, dragging his family members.

Whatever, in the previous trial, Panji in his investigation report (BAP) stated that SYL ordered to ask for a fee of 20 percent of the budget for each work unit (satker) at the Ministry of Agriculture.

"Moreover, Panji's accusations dragged my family away and described something excessive, which in fact strengthened his alibi to carry out roles as if for the benefit of the minister," said SYL.

SYL was charged with imprisonment for 12 years and a fine of Rp. 500 million, subsidiary to 6 months in prison.

The former Minister of Agriculture was also charged with paying replacement money of around Rp44 billion and US$ 30 thousand.

The claim was given because the prosecutor believed that SYL violated Article 12 letter e in conjunction with Article 18 of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st Criminal Code (KUHP) in conjunction with Article 64 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.