KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri Disappointed Investigator Stepanus Becomes A "Case Broker", Mentioning Low Integrity

Chairman of KPK Firli Bahuri (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - KPK chairman Firli Bahuri is deeply disappointed that KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP) was involved in conspiring to broker a case regarding the handling of the case of the Mayor of Tanjungbalai, North Sumatra, M Syahrial (MS).

"The KPK apologizes to all Indonesian people for the alleged receipt of gifts or promises made by individual KPK investigators. This behavior does not really reflect the attitude of KPK employees who must uphold honesty and professionalism in carrying out their duties,” said Firli Bahuri at a press conference on Thursday, April 22 evening.

Firli explained that the investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP) who came from the National Police had very good competency test results. By recruitment, Stepanus Robin Pattuju has no problem.

"But why did it happen? I say that corruption occurs because of low levels of integrity and reduced integrity. Corruption equals to power plus authority minus integrity. That is what we must protect how we make integrity. Integrity is in the heart, in behavior and culture," said Firli Bahuri.

The KPK named an investigator, Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP), and the Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial (MS) as suspects in bribery related to the handling of corruption cases.

In addition, the KPK also named another suspect who was a lawyer, namely Maskur Husain (MH).

"After carrying out the investigation process and finding sufficient preliminary evidence, the KPK raised the status of this case to the investigation stage by assigning suspects," said KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri in a press conference broadcast on the KPK RI YouTube account, Thursday, April 22.

In this case, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted an initial examination of eight witnesses. "Evidence was also found, including bank account books and ATM cards," said the former Deputy for Corruption Eradication of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Flow of Case

KPK chairman Firli Bahuri uncovered bribery collusion related to the handling of the case of the Mayor of Tanjungbalai, North Sumatra, M Syahrial (MS). There was a meeting attended by KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju with the Mayor of Tanjungbalai at the house of Deputy Speaker of the DPR Azis Syamsuddin.

"In October 2020, SRP (Stepanus Robin Pattuju, KPK investigator) held a meeting with MS (Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial) at the AZ official residence (Azis Syamsuddin) Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Parliament," said Firli Bahuri at a press conference at the KPK building, Thursday, evening of April 22nd.

During the meeting, Firli Bahuri mentioned that Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Azis Syamsuddin, introduced KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP) with the Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial (MS).

"Because it is suspected that MS has a problem related to the investigation of suspected corruption in the Tanjung Balai City Government which is being carried out by the KPK so that it does not go up to the investigation stage and asks SRP to help so that later the investigation problem is not followed up by the KPK," continued Firli Bahuri.

Following up on the meeting at the house of Deputy Speaker of the DPR Azis Syamsuddin, KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP) introduced lawyer Maskur Husain (MH) to the Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial (MS).

"SRP together with MH (Maskur Husain, lawyer) agreed to make a commitment with MS (Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial) regarding the investigation into suspected corruption in the Tanjung Balai City Government not to be followed up by the KPK by preparing Rp1.5 billion," explained Firli Bahuri.

Mayor of Tanjungbalai M Syahrial approved the request of KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP) and pengacaara Maskur Husain (MH). MS transferred money through the account of Riefka Amalia, a friend of a KPK investigator. The Mayor of Tanjungbalai also gave cash to KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP).

"Until the total money that SRP has received is Rp1.3 billion," he said.

"After the money was received, SRP reiterated to MS with a guarantee of certainty that the investigation into the alleged corruption in the Tanjung Balai City Government would not be followed up by the KPK," Firli continued.

Of that money, lawyer Maskur Husain received a total of Rp525 million. MH is suspected of also receiving money from other parties of around Rp200 million.

"While the SRP from October 2020 to April 2021 is also suspected of receiving money from other parties through bank account transfers in the name of RA amounting to Rp438 million," said Firli Bahuri.