Allegations Of Corruption In Rubber Processing At The Ministry Of Agriculture Loses Up To IDR 75 Billion

KPK Spokesperson Tessa Mahardika/DOK PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture related to the procurement of rubber processing facilities. It is suspected that the fraudulent practice that occurred made the state lose up to tens of billions of rupiah.

"The state loss in this case reached Rp75 billion. This number can still change because the calculation is still being carried out," said KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardhika to reporters in a written statement, Monday, December 2.

Tessa explained that the investigation into allegations of corruption related to rubber processing at the Ministry of Agriculture which was being carried out began with public complaints. This criminal incident allegedly occurred in the 2021-2023 fiscal year.

As for this case, the anti-corruption commission has examined the witnesses on Thursday, November 28. Those investigated were Reny Maharani as JFPPBJ Madya-Biro Umum and Procurement 2019-2024; Rosy Indra Saputra as the former Director of PT Sitas Kurama Perdana.

Tessa at that time said these witnesses were present and investigated regarding the auction process for the procurement of the rubber management facility. Including allegations of arrangement.

Previously reported, the KPK suspected that there was an inflated budget for the purchase of rubber sap at the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan). This was conveyed by the Director of Investigation of the KPK Asep Guntur Rahayu when asked about a new investigation at the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the procurement of rubber processing facilities.

"So we are currently also handling cases related to procurement, I forgot the name, but the acid used to thicken rubber.... If it used to be called ant acid, the name was there to thicken rubber," Asep told reporters at the KPK's Red and White House, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Thursday, November 28.

"Well, this acid, the procurement of acid, so there are already goods, there is a fertilizer factory in West Java that produces acid. Well, this is needed in filling rubber," he continued.

However, during the purchase process, it turned out that the Ministry of Agriculture had inflated prices. "So the price that was sold was for example Rp. 10,000 per liter to Rp. 50,000 per liter," said Asep.