Effendi Gazali Challenges To Open Large Vendors Receiving Social Assistance Rations, KPK Ready To Reveal In Trial

Effendi Gazali (DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will present all the results of the investigation and evidence related to the bribery case for the provision of social assistance (bansos) for COVID-19 at trial.

This was conveyed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Corruption Eradication Committee Ali Fikri in response to the statement of the communication expert from the University of Indonesia, Effendi Gazali. Through a letter, Effendi asked the KPK to disclose questions about large vendors working on social assistance for COVID-19.

"In due time, please follow the trial process. Because it is open to the public, including the results of the investigation, we will open it all together with the evidence we have, ”said Ali in a written statement, Monday, March 29.

He also emphasized that not all information about the law enforcement process can be communicated to the public. This is also in accordance with Article 17 Concerning Openness of Public Information.

"For this reason, what is conveyed in the letter is information on ongoing investigations. So, it is part of the investigation strategy that we are currently unable to convey to the public, "he said.

"And we are sure that those concerned know this," added Ali.

Ali also touched on the summoning of witnesses. According to Ali, someone who is summoned and examined as a witness is someone who is suspected of having knowledge of a series of corruption incidents currently being investigated by the KPK.

"Of course, calling someone as a witness is because there is a need for investigators," he said.

Through a letter, Effendi Gazali urged the KPK to disclose the names of major vendors who receive the quota for the provision of COVID-19 social assistance. This was conveyed after he was examined as a witness some time ago.

"As a citizen, I am submitting an application based on the Law on Public Information Disclosure. The information I ask for is the name of the vendor and their respective quota at each stage of the social assistance procurement of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Jabodetabek in 2020, namely regular social assistance from stage 1 to stage 12, ”he said as quoted in the letter dated Monday, March 29.

He felt the need to urge the KPK because he had been examined as a witness regarding the alleged recommendation of the UMKM for the social assistance of COVID-19. Moreover, so far there is only information that the number of social assistance packages in Jabodetabek is 22,800,000 packages with around 107 vendors.

"My legal standing is because I was summoned as a witness to be studied or considered recommending an UMKM after the election complained of being left out by the gods at the Social Assistance Seminar (which was held, ed) on July 23," he said.

"So that after July 23, the UMKM will also be given the actual quota, is it true that 20 thousand out of a total of 22,800,000 social assistance packages," added this academic.

Effendi also emphasized that this request for disclosure of public information is important so that there is no hoax and character assassination among citizens. "Which then becomes a mistake when it is published in the media," he said.

"I hope that this public information data can be shared and all vendors deemed to be recommenders are summoned to the KPK for justice," concluded Effendi.