Ihsan Yunus 'Directs' Brokers Regarding COVID-19 Social Assistance At The Ministry Of Social Affairs

Ihsan Yunus is a witness at the trial of Juliari Batubara/Antara

JAKARTA - Member of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia from the PDIP Faction Ihsan Yunus directed Agustri Yogasmara alias Yogas when he was going to participate in a project to procure social assistance (bansos) at the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos).

This was revealed when Ihsan Yunus testified as a witness in the trial of alleged social assistance bribery with the defendant Juliari Batubara.

At first, the public prosecutor (JPU) alluded to the introduction between Ihsan Yunus and Agustri Yogasmara alias Yogas that took place in 2019.

Then, the prosecutor immediately questioned the reason why Yogas reported his desire to participate in the social assistance procurement project. Because, Ihsan Yunus said that he had talked about social assistance with Yogas.

"The question is why when he wanted to join the social assistance program, didn't he know from you that there was a social assistance program for Jabodetabek. Why report to you if he wants to join?" asked the prosecutor during the trial at the Corruption Court, Jakarta, Monday, June 21.

Answering the question, Ihsan Yunus also said that Yogas did not report it. However, only talking about COVID-19.

"Permission sir, he didn't report. He called me, we were talking about COVID-19 at that time, everything was difficult," said Ihsan.

Until finally, Ihsan Yunus said in the communication, Yogas had questioned whether there was a program he could do. Then he directed Yogas to meet with the Director of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims (PSKBA) M. Syafii Nasution.

"He asked 'is there a program to distribute?' I said yes, just try going to Pak Syafei," said Ihsan Yunus imitating his communication with Yogas.

Then, the prosecutor again asked the real reason that Yogas had to report the development to Ihsan Yunus.

"Earlier, your answer was that after he met with Pak Syafei Nasution a few days later, he contacted you again, there was indeed a program for me to participate. Why did I have to go through you, asking you if he wanted to come?" asked the prosecutor.

"Yes, yesterday I proposed it to Pak Syafei. Ethically, he must report to me," said Ihsan Yunus.