Investigation Completed, Former Bengkulu Governor Immediately Tried

Suspect in the case of extortion and gratification Rohidin Mersyah / DOK BETWEEN PHOTOS / FAKHRI HERMANSYAH

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has completed the investigation into alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities that ensnared former Bengkulu Governor Rohidin Mersyah. The transfer of files and evidence was carried out today.

"Delegation and evidence have been carried out from investigators to the public prosecutor," said KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardhika to reporters in a written statement, Friday, March 21.

Apart from Rohidin, the investigation was also declared complete against the Regional Secretary of Bengkulu Province Isnan Fajri and the aide to the governor, Evriansyah alias Anca.

As for this case, the anti-corruption commission has examined witnesses. Then the investigators also carried out searches and confiscations.

The confiscated assets included houses in the Yogyakarta area worth Rp. 1.5 billion; land and buildings in Depok, West Java; and three lands in Bengkulu City with a value of Rp. 4.3 billion.

As 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 in alleged bribery and extortion.

Those who are suspects are the Governor of Bengkulu Rohidin Mersyah, the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Bengkulu Province Isnan Fajri and Evrianshah alias Anca who are 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.