KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri Apologizes Investigators Stepanus Becomes A Case Broker

The Corruption Eradication Commission drags its investigators who becomes a 'case broker' (Photo: KPK Public Relations)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) apologized for the actions of its investigator from the police, Stepanus Robin Pattuju, who brokered a corruption case by accepting bribes.

This was conveyed directly by KPK Chairman Firli Bahuri during a press conference on Thursday evening, April 22.

"The KPK apologizes to all Indonesian people for the alleged receipt of gifts or promises made by individual KPK investigators," Firli said in the KPK RI YouTube broadcast.

The former KPK Deputy for Enforcement admits that the investigators' behavior does not reflect the attitude of KPK employees who should uphold honesty and professionalism in carrying out their duties.

He also asked all parties to report if an incident like this happened again.

"To local government institutions, business actors, and other communities, we appeal to any party requesting facilities, money, etc., on the pretext of terminating the case or other excuses, immediately report to the local police and inform the KPK," he said.

In addition, people who want to confirm or report this matter can contact the KPK via Call Center 198 or email [email protected].

In the future, apart from dealing with these crimes, the KPK will also report the alleged violation of ethics to the supervisory board.

"The KPK ensures that the handling of this case will be carried out transparently and invites the public to participate in supervising the process," he said.

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

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

In this case, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted an initial examination of eight witnesses. Not only that, but the KPK also found evidence including bank account books and ATM cards.

Furthermore, the KPK detained Stepanus at the KPK Detention Center at the Red and White House. Meanwhile, Maskur Husai was detained at the KPK Prison Pomdam Jaya Guntur branch. Both will be detained from April 22 to May 11.

Meanwhile, M Syahrial is still being investigated at the Tanjungbalai Police.

As a result of their actions, Stepanus and Maskur Husai were suspected of violating Article 12 letter a or letter b or Article 11 and Article 12B of Law Number 31 of 1999 Law Number 20 as amended and added to Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning Eradication of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st Criminal Code.

Meanwhile, M Syahrial is suspected of violating Article 5 paragraph 1 letter a or b or Article 13 of Law Number 31 of 1999 Law no. 20 as amended and added to Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning Eradication of Corruption Crimes.

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.