KPK Emphasizes People Can Pray At Mosques Built By Nurdin Abdullah Even Though It Has Been Confiscated

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) invites the public to carry out religious activities or pray at the mosque built by the inactive South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah even though it has been confiscated.

This was conveyed by the Acting Spokesperson for the KPK for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, responding to the disappointment of the mosque congregation. The confiscation was carried out because these assets were allegedly related to the bribery and gratification case that ensnared Nurdin and his subordinates.

"We hope that people can continue to use the place as usual," Ali told reporters, Wednesday, June 23.

The anti-corruption commission investigators have actually conveyed to local officials that the mosque can still be used even though it has been confiscated as evidence.

"We have also explained this to local officials at the time of the confiscation, including the use of the building," he said.

"KPK ensures to confiscate an item or asset, of course, because it is related to proving the alleged actions of the suspect," Ali added.

Regarding the status of land and buildings, Ali said this would be considered based on legal facts at trial. "And we will inform you after the investigation of the case has been completed," he said.

Previously reported, KPK investigators confiscated six lands belonging to the inactive South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah. The confiscation was carried out on Thursday, June 17, which was marked by the installation of a confiscation sign on the land by investigators.

"The investigative team has installed confiscation signs on assets suspected of belonging to suspect NA as many as six plots of land located in Arra Hamlet, Tompobulu Village, Tompobulu District, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi," said Acting Enforcement Sector Ali Fikri to reporters, Friday, June 18.

He said the installation of this sign was so that the land was misused by certain parties. Including by unauthorized parties.

Nurdin Abdullah has been named a suspect in the alleged bribery and gratification case related to the procurement of goods and services, licensing and infrastructure development within the South Sulawesi Provincial Government for the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year.

This PDIP politician was named a suspect along with the Secretary of the PUTR Office of South Sulawesi Province, Edy Rahmat. Meanwhile, Director of PT Agung Perdana Bulukumba (APB) Agung Sucipto was named a suspect for giving bribes.

While serving as Governor of South Sulawesi, Nurdin was suspected of receiving bribes and gratuities with a total value of Rp 5.4 billion related to projects within the South Sulawesi Provincial Government. Rp2 billion was given from Agung through Edy. The bribe was given so that Agung could return to work on the project in South Sulawesi for the 2021 fiscal year.