Denying OTT Bengkulu Governor Political, KPK: We Don't Work Based On Order!

KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika (Photo:wardhany Tsa Tsia/VOI)

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed that the hand arrest operation (OTT) that ensnared Rohidin Mersyah has nothing to do with his steps as an incumbent candidate in the Bengkulu gubernatorial election.

This was conveyed by KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika in response to a number of circulating issues that mentioned the arrests related to the 2024 Pilkada. Meanwhile, Rohidin Mersyah was paired with Meriani in the Bengkulu gubernatorial election against Helmi Hasan and Mian.

Helmi Hasan is known to be the younger brother of Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan. He has served as Deputy Governor of Bengkulu twice.

"That there is no political element in the law enforcement process," Tessa told reporters quoted on Wednesday, November 27.

Tessa said the silent operation was carried out based on reports that came from the public. The KPK also obtained two pieces of evidence before the OTT was carried out.

"In this case (it has been pocketed, red) at least two pieces of evidence to follow up on the arrest and issuance of an investigation warrant to determine three people as suspects," said the spokesman with the investigator's background.

"So I repeat that the KPK does not work based on orders or political orders from certain parties," continued Tessa.

Previously reported, the KPK held a hand arrest operation (OTT) in Bengkulu Province on Saturday, November 23 and brought eight people for questioning. Three people were later named as suspects, namely Bengkulu Governor Rohidin Mersyah, Bengkulu Provincial Secretary (Sekda) Isnan Fajri and Evrianshah alias Anca who is the Adc Governor of Bengkulu.

When the OTT was carried out, investigators found IDR 7 billion in rupiah currency denominations, US dollars, and Singapore dollars. The extortion and acceptance of gratuities is said to finance Rohidin, who is back running as a candidate for incumbent.

As a result of his actions, these three suspects are suspected of violating Article 12 letter e and Article 12B in Law Number 31 of 1999 as amended in Law Number 20 of 2001 in conjunction with Article 55 of the Criminal Code.