Trial Witness Nurdin Abdullah Admits Receiving IDR 300 Million From Entrepreneur Rudy Moha For COVID-19 Basic Food

Nurdin Abdullah/ANTARA

MAKASSAR - Nurhidayah, a witness in the trial of the inactive South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah admitted that he received a remittance of more than Rp. 300 million from businessman Kwan Sakti Rudy Moha to help deal with COVID-19.

"The money was transferred many times and gradually, there were Rp. 20 million and Rp. 30 million," said Nurhidayah at the Makassar Corruption Court, Thursday, August 12.

Nurhiddayah said that all the remittances she received through the banking system were intended for people affected by COVID-19.

Nurhidayah, who works as a non-permanent employee, stated that every money sent by Rudy Moha was bought for basic needs and then packaged and distributed to people affected by COVID-19.

"It was the 4th month of 2020. He (Rudy Moha) called me asking for an account number for COVID assistance. He transferred to me Rp. 20 million to Rp. 30 million. It was gradual, not all at once," he said.

Nurhiddayah admitted that the remittance was unknown to Nurdin Abdullah. He only communicates with Rudy Moha every time he wants to donate.

"I use the money to buy groceries. We buy it as needed. Keep it in the perdos (lecturer housing) and pack it there. There are lots of them, not only basic necessities but also cloth masks," he explained.

He said that whenever money was sent, he never reported it to Nurdin Abdullah but every time there was a transfer and the use of money he always recorded it as a personal responsibility, even though Rudy Moha never asked for it.

"Never reported it. There was no personal benefit for Mr. Nurdin there. The money was used to buy groceries and then packaged and distributed," he said.

Previously at the trial on August 5, Rudy Moha, who was also a witness at the time, admitted that he made the donation on his own initiative.

"Once I visited the office, I saw a lot of basic necessities. Then I asked Mr. Nurdin, who it was for, he said this was COVID assistance because many people are difficult if they want to come, please," explained Rudy Moha repeating his conversation with Nurdin Abdullah.

Nurdin then directed Nurhidayah to carry out the assistance process. After the conversation, Nurdin Abdullah no longer interfered with the donation.