KPK Investigate Allegations Of Corruption At The Ministry Of Agriculture, This Time Related To Procurement Of Rubber Processing Facilities

KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika. (Tsa Tsia-VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is again investigating allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan). This time the case is related to the procurement of rubber processing facilities for the fiscal year 2021-2023.

The investigation into the alleged corruption began with the summons of three people as witnesses today, Thursday, November 28.

"The examination was carried out at the Red and White KPK Building," said KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika in her statement, Thursday, November 28.

The three witnesses were Arsad Nursalim who is a private employee; Reby Maharani as a civil servant (PNS) or JFPPBJ Madya General and Procurement 2019-2024; and Rosy Indra Saputra as the former Director of PT Sitas Kurama Perdana for the period May 2020-October 2024.

It is not yet known what material the investigators investigated for the three witnesses. However, every witness who is summoned is strongly suspected of knowing the case being investigated.

The KPK has also not explained the identity of the suspect or the full construction of this case. The KPK will only announce clearly when an attempt is made to detain him.

The anti-corruption commission initially investigated allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture which later ensnared former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL). He was prosecuted for alleged extortion and gratification within the Ministry of Agriculture.

In its development, the KPK has also named SYL as a suspect in the crime of money laundering (TPPU). Then, investigations into allegations of corruption in the procurement of static x-rays, mobile x-rays, and x-ray trailers or containers at the Agricultural Quarantine Agency are also being carried out.

A total of six people have been prevented from leaving the country, namely WH, IP, MB, SUD, CS and RF.

One of the six people is the former Secretary of the Quarantine Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture Wisnu Haryana. This prevention was requested by the Directorate General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights based on Decree Number 1064 of 2024 and valid for six months.

The KPK said that the state losses due to this procurement allegedly reached Rp82 billion. However, the exact number could change because the auditors are still calculating for sure.