Mendes PDTT Targeted By KPK Regarding Community Group Grant Funds From The East Java Provincial Budget

Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia (Mendes PDTT) Abdul Halim Iskandar/DOK Wardhany Tsa Tsia

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is questioning the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia (Mendes PDTT) Abdul Halim Iskandar regarding grant funds for community groups from the East Java Provincial Budget today, Thursday, August 22. He is suspected of knowing the process. "“That the person concerned, witness AHI was investigated regarding the knowledge of grants or grants from the East Java Provincial Budget to Pokmas or community groups," said KPK Spokesperson Tessa Mahardika to reporters at the KPK's Red and White House, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Thursday, August 22. Tessa said investigators were questioning Abdul Halim in his capacity as a minister, not the former chairman of the East Java DPRD. However, he has not conveyed his relationship. Katanya, penyidik masih belum mau membuka kasus ini. “ Nanti kalau ada informasi dari penyidik, kami update lagi,” tegasnya. Meanwhile, Abdul Halim Iskandar claimed to have never enjoyed bribes from the East Java Provincial Government (Pemrov) grant. He made this statement after undergoing an examination for about 5 hours. "No, never (accept bribes related to grant funds, ed)," said Abdul Halim to reporters. Abdul Halim admitted that dozens of questions were asked. Meanwhile, regarding his capacity when examined as a witness, the brother of the General Chair of the National Awakening Party (PKB) did not want to talk further. It is known that Abdul Halim served as Chairman of the East Java DPRD for the 2014 to 2019 period. He later served as Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration in the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet on October 23, 2019. He only said that his examination was related to matters in East Java. “ You can have time for the chairman of the DPRD, after that, all kinds of things, ” he said. Previously reported, the KPK has named 21 new suspects in the alleged bribery of grant funds for community groups or pokmas from the East Java Provincial Budget for the 2019-2022 Fiscal Year. This effort is the development of the case that ensnared the former Deputy Chairperson of the East Java DPRD, Sahat Tua P. Simanjuntak.

Investigators in this case have searched the office of the East Java Provincial Government (Jatim) some time ago. As a result, documents and electronic goods have been confiscated regarding the alleged bribery case of grant funds.