KPK HR Bureau Examined Regarding Alleged Detention Extortion

Illustration of illegal levies or extortion (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is still investigating allegations of illegal levies (extortion) in its detention center. Two witnesses were examined, one of which was the Head of the Human Resources Bureau of the KPK, Zuraida Retno Pamungkas.

"Today, Monday, July 8, the KPK is examining witnesses of alleged corruption related to extortion in the KPK branch detention center," said KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika to reporters in a written statement, Monday, July 8.

In addition, the anti-corruption commission also examined the Head of the Personnel Division of the KPK HR Bureau, Tri Agus Saputra. Tessa has not yet detailed the material for the examination.

"The examination was carried out at the Red and White KPK Building," said the spokesman with the investigator's background.

Previously reported, there were 15 people who were suspected of extortion in the KPK detention center. They include the Head of the KPK Detention Center Achmad Fauzi, former Acting KPK Karutan Deden Rochendi and Ristanta, and Hengki who are ex-Kamtib Detention Centers.

The suspects are suspected of having managed to raise up to Rp6.3 billion for four years from 2019-2023. The money was obtained from detainees in corruption cases with a variety of between Rp300 thousand and Rp20 million.

The handover is carried out directly or through a holding bank account controlled by the lurah and corting.

Prisoners then get exclusive facilities after giving money to officers. One of them can use a cellphone or power bank.

Meanwhile, those who do not pay or are late in depositing receive uncomfortable treatment. Among them, the detention room is locked from the outside, violations and reductions in sports rations, and gets a guard quota and more hygiene pickets.

The KPK also imposed disciplinary penalties on employees involved. A total of 66 people were fired after receiving a decree.