KPK Finds IDR 380 Million During Search Related To Bribery Of Grant Funds For The East Java DPRD

KPK Spokesperson Tessa Mahardika/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confiscated IDR 380 million in cash while searching a number of locations related to the alleged bribery of the East Java Provincial DPRD grant. This forced effort was made to find evidence that corroborated the actions of 21 suspects.

"KPK has confiscated, including money in the form of approximately Rp. 380 million, documents related to the management of grant funds, receipts and notes of receipts of billions of rupiah in cash," said KPK Spokesperson Tessa Mahardika to reporters at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Friday, July 12.

In addition, investigators also confiscated proof of deposits from banks, evidence of the use of money for the purchase of houses, copies of house certificates, and other documents as well as electronic items. Tessa said this evidence was related to the bribery case being investigated.

The money and goods were found by investigators in a number of locations since last July 8 and targeted a number of places. The details are several houses in Surabaya, Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Tulungagung, Gresik, as well as in Madura Island such as Bangkalan Regency, Sampang Regency, and Sumenep Regency where investigators have visited.

"It will be explored again (its connection, ed)," he said.

Tessa detailed that 21 suspects were named. Four are the recipients and the rest are the givers.

The determination of this suspect is based on a warrant for the start of the investigation (sprindik) which was issued on July 5. "Regarding the suspect's name and illegal acts committed by the suspects, it will be submitted in due course if the investigation is deemed sufficient," he said.

Previously reported, the bribery case of community group grants was investigated by the KPK after carrying out a hand arrest operation (OTT) at the end of December 2022. At that time, Sahat Tua Simanjuntak, who is the Deputy Chair of the East Java Provincial DPRD, was also transported to the KPK's Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta.

He is suspected of accepting a bribe of Rp. 5 billion to manage the allocation of funds for community groups. Sahat at that time was a suspect along with three other people.

As a result of his actions, Sahat was sentenced to nine years in prison. He is also required to pay a fine of Rp. 1 billion, subsidiary to six months in prison.