Uncle Birin Driver Absent From Call, KPK Reminds No One To Disturb Investigation

KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika (DOK Wardhany Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) reminded that no party should try to interfere with the investigation into alleged corruption that ensnared the Governor of South Kalimantan Sahbirin Noor or Uncle Birin. There should be no attempt to influence witnesses.

This was conveyed by KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika after a number of drivers or aides to Uncle Birin were absent from the summons of KPK investigators. Those who were not present were Santo, Agus Supriadi, Zahar, and Anton Arisandi.

Santo should have been questioned by investigators on Wednesday, October 30. Meanwhile, other names should be questioned on Thursday, October 31.

"Let the KPK carry out the investigation process openly, transparently, and professionally so that it will be clear when this case has been transferred to court," Tessa told reporters, Friday, November 1.

Tessa asked all parties to look at the ongoing investigation process. "So that things don't happen that can interfere with the investigation process itself, such as those who try to influence witnesses or interfere with the investigation process," he said.

"KPK warned that this should not be done," continued the spokesman with the investigator's background.

Previously reported, the KPK named a total of seven people as suspects in the case of alleged receipt of gifts or promises by state officials or representing them in South Kalimantan Province in 2024-2025. This determination began with a hand arrest operation (OTT) on Sunday, October 6.

South Kalimantan Governor Sahbirin Noor or Uncle Birin has become a suspect in receiving bribes along with four other people. He was appointed together with the Head of the South Kalimantan Provincial Government Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Ahmad Solhan (SOL), the Head of Cipta Karya as well as the Commitment Making Officer (PPK) of the South Kalimantan Provincial Government Yulianti Erlynah (YUL), the Management of the Tahfidz Darussalam House as well as the collector of money or fee Ahmad (AMD) and Plt. Head of the Household of the Governor of South Kalimantan Agustya Febry Andrean (FEB).

Meanwhile, as the givers were Sugeng Wahyudi (YUD) and Andi Susanto (AND) as private parties. Thus, there are a total of seven suspects.

This gift was made after Sugeng and Andi got three projects in South Kalimantan. The details:

1. Construction of Football Fields in the Integrated Sports Area of South Kalimantan Province with selected provider PT WKM (Wismani Kharya Mandiri) with a work value of IDR 23 billion;

2. Integrated Samsat Development with selected provider PT HIU (Haryadi Indo Utama) with a work value of IDR 22 billion;

3. Development of Swimming Pools in the Integrated Sports Area of South Kalimantan Province with the selected provider CV BBB (Bunt Banua Bersama) with a work value of IDR 9 billion.

A total of seven suspects, only Uncle Birin has not been arrested. However, the KPK has asked the Directorate General of Immigration to prevent it from leaving the country for six months.