KPK Investigate Allegations Of Extortion For 'Fajar Attack' Rohidin Mersyah In Bengkulu Gubernatorial Election

KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardhika. (Tsa Tsia-VOI)

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating allegations of extortion in the Bengkulu Provincial Government (Pemprov) to win Rohidin Mersyah who is back in the gubernatorial election. Seven witnesses were questioned on Monday, January 13.

"The investigation was carried out at the Bengkulu Police," said KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardhika to reporters in a written statement, Tuesday, January 14.

The witnesses examined were the Head of BPBD Bengkulu Provincial Government, Herwan Antony; Sisardi as the expert staff of the Governor of Maluku; and Meri Sasdi who is the Head of the Bengkulu Provincial Government Library and Archives Service.

Then also examined by the Head of SMK, the Bengkulu Provincial Government Education and Culture Office, Rainer Atu; Head of Highways of the PUPR Office of the Bengkulu Provincial Government, Yasiruddin; Head of Cipta Karya of the Bengkulu Provincial PUPR Office Rizki Magnolia Putri; and Head of Pre-Disaster BPBD Bengkulu Province Hardenni Meidianto.

"Everything is explored related to the chronology of requests for money from agencies, giving money, and a source of money to support the victory of Rohidin Mersyah," explained Tessa.

"The money was then used for dawn attacks in the Pilkada and for logistical needs," he continued.

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.