PP Japto Irit Chairman Speaks After Being Investigated by the KPK Regarding the Gratification Case of Rita Widyasari 

Chairman of the National Leadership Council of the Pancasila Youth (PP) Japto Soerjosoemarno/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - Chairman of the National Leadership Assembly of the Pancasila Youth (PP) Japto Soerjosoemarno was irritated after being examined as a witness to the alleged gratification of metric tons of coal mines that ensnared the former Regent of Kutai Kartanegara Rita Widayasari today. He asked the investigators to explain the examination material.

Japto is known to have been examined since this morning and finished at around 13.32 WIB, Tuesday, March 10, at the KPK's Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta. Initially he admitted that he was asked about legal responsibility but it was not explained what it meant.

"Asked about my legal responsibility," said Japto briefly while rushing out of the KPK office with several other people.

Japto was asked about the dozens of cars seized by the KPK in this case. But, he chose to remain silent.

"Don't ask me," he said.

Japto also took the opportunity to ask the origin of the media of several reporters who were waiting for him.

"Where are you from? From what media?" he asked.

He then asked the journalists again to confirm the type of media.

"Not the one who cooks, fries, right?" asked Japto again.

"Now there are many who are frying. Any news is written," said the head of the community organization (ormas) while passing by.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said Japto was questioned as a witness for three corporate suspects in this case. These companies are PT Sinar Kumala Naga, PT Alamjaya Barapratama, and PT Bara Kumala Sakti which are coal companies.

"Yes, today the investigators have scheduled the examination of JP's witness in the case of alleged corruption in the Kukar Regency area for the corporate suspect," said Budi through his written statement.

The determination of the corporate suspect was based on an investigation order (sprindik) issued in February. The company is suspected of being a tool for Rita Widyasari to receive corruption results.

As previously reported, the KPK continues to investigate corruption allegations related to coal exports that ensnared Rita Widyasari as the former Regent of Kutai Kartanegara. In fact, non-tax state revenues (PNBP) continue to be scrutinized.

It is suspected that there was a receipt of metric tons of money made by Rita in each coal mine exploration process. This investigation was carried out by the KPK as a gateway to investigate alleged money laundering (TPPU).

In the money laundering case, Rita was named a suspect along with Commissioner of PT Media Bangun Bersama, Khairudin on January 16, 2018. They are suspected of laundering money from the results of gratification projects and permits in the Kutai Kartanegara Provincial Government worth Rp. 436 billion.

Rita is currently a resident of the Pondok Bambu Women's Prison, East Jakarta, for being proven to have received gratification of Rp. 110.7 billion and bribes of up to Rp. 6 billion from applicants for permits and project partners. He must serve a 10-year prison sentence imposed by the Jakarta Corruption Court on July 6, 2018.