The application of the Article on Conflict of Interest through the New OTT is the first time the KPK has done it.

The Jakarta Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building (ANTARA photo)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said the application of the conflict of interest article in the alleged corruption case of Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq was proof that the modus operandi of corruption was increasingly complex.

This was conveyed by KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when asked about the implementation of Article 12 letter i of the Corruption Law which became the basis for the determination of the suspect Fadia who was caught in the hand-catching operation (OTT) on Tuesday morning, March 3.

"The construction of the case and the imposition of Article 12 letter i in the event of being caught in Pekalongan is the first in the KPK," Budi told VOI, Thursday, March 5.

For information, the KPK more often applies articles related to the acceptance of bribes or gratuities to suspects who are caught in OTT. Usually there are parties who are recipients and givers.

Meanwhile, Fadia was charged alone based on the findings of evidence related to the arrangement of the procurement of outsourcing services and goods in the Pekalongan Regency Government.

Returning to Budi, he said the implementation of this article could actually be proof that the crime of corruption is always changing shape. So, all parties need to support the eradication efforts.

"The implementation of this article and the modus operandi of corruption continue to metamorphose into becoming increasingly complex and complicated," he said.

"Therefore, public support and other related stakeholders such as PPATK are important, both with information support, data, including financial transactions so that they can open up dark spaces for the occurrence of this corrupt practice," continued Budi.

As previously reported, the KPK named the Regent of Pekalongan Fadia Arafiq as a suspect because he allegedly arranged PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya (PT RNB) to monopoli the outsourcing service project in 17 regional devices, 3 RSUD, and 1 sub-district in Pekalongan Regency.

PT RNB itself is known to have been founded by Fadia's husband and son, whose leadership was then handed over to his trusted employees.

Regional devices are forced to win this "Parent Company" even though there are other vendors offering lower prices.

Throughout 2023 to 2026, there were transactions into PT RNB worth Rp. 46 billion sourced from contracts with regional devices in the Pekalongan Regency Government. Of that amount, Rp. 22 billion was used to pay the salaries of outsourcing employees.

Meanwhile, the rest or about 40 percent flowed into the pockets of Fadia, her husband and her children. Here are the details:

1. Fadia Arafiq as the Regent of Pekalongan enjoyed Rp5.5 billion; 2. Mukhtaruddin Ashraff Abu who is Fadia's husband enjoyed Rp1.1 billion.

Ashraff currently serves as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives for the 2024-2029 period from the Golkar Party Faction which serves on Commission X. At PT RNB, he holds the position of commissioner.

3. Muhammad Sabiq Ashraff as the regent's son enjoyed Rp. 4.6 billion;

Sabiq is a member of the Pekalongan Regency DPRD from the Golkar Party Faction (Dapil V). He also served as the Director of PT RNB for the period 2022-2024.

4. Mehnaz NA as the regent's son enjoys Rp2.5 billion; 5. Rul Bayatun as Director of PT RNB 2024 - now / Regent's Trust Person: Enjoying Rp2.3 billion; and 6. Other cash withdrawals of Rp3 billion.

For his actions, Fadia Arafiq was officially detained for the next 20 days at the KPK Red and White Building Branch Detention Center. The extension of detention will be carried out according to the needs of investigators.

In this case, he is suspected of violating Article 12 letter i and Article 12 B of the Corruption Eradication Law in conjunction with Article 127 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code regarding conflicts of interest and abuse of authority in the procurement of goods and services.