Investigator Becomes A "Case Broker", KPK Chairman Affirms Case Of Sale And Purchase Of Tanjungbalai Mayor Position Is Still Under Investigation

Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission Firli Bahuri (KPK Public Relations DOC)

JAKARTA - KPK chairman Firli Bahuri emphasized that the case of alleged corruption in the sale and purchase of positions in the Tanjungbalai City Government, North Sumatra, is still being investigated.

In the handling of this case, it was revealed the efforts of collusion, aka case broker, a KPK investigator who promised to settle the case.

KPK chairman Firli Bahuri explained that the KPK was handling a case of alleged corruption in receiving gifts or promises at the Tanjungbalai City Government 2020-2021. This case was later 'played by' a KPK investigator named Stepanus Robin Pattuju (SRP).

"That the criminal acts we convey are related to the criminal act of corruption, namely the alleged sale and purchase of positions in the city of Tanjungbalai and we have never stopped and followed up on criminal acts in the city of Tanjungbalai because we have published investigation warrant and the investigation process by force, both examination of witnesses. Investigation of potential suspects and confiscation of evidence through searches have been carried out," said Firli Bahuri.

Firli Bahuri emphasized that the KPK has never stopped handling cases. Even cases that have been hanging on the KPK for years are still being investigated.

"This means we want to make sure that there are no cases that stop at the KPK. We even raise the case that has been hanging for five years at the KPK. Because in principle, case increases and determination of suspects must be initiated and with sufficient evidence, not prejudice, perceptions, or assumptions and we work based on the adequacy of evidence," continued Firli.

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, The 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 Firili 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.