Azis Syamsuddin's Role Revealed Over Stepanus Robin's Allegation Of 'Case Broker'

Former KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju undergoes a trial for reading the indictment at the Jakarta Corruption Crime Court (Tipikor), Monday, September 13 (Photo: Desca Lidya Natalia/Antara)

JAKARTA - A former investigator of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) who became a case broker, Stepanus Robin Pattuju, was charged with accepting bribes of up to tens of billions of rupiah from various parties whose case is being investigated by the anti-corruption commission. One of the bribers named in the indictment is the Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Azis Syamsuddin.

At the trial held at the Jakarta Corruption Court, the KPK Public Prosecutor (JPU) revealed that Azis was involved in three different cases and dragged a number of parties.

First, the Golkar Party politician played a role in introducing M Syahrial, who was the Mayor of Tanjungbalai City, with Stepanus Robin when. The introduction of the two took place at Azis' official residence, Jalan Denpasar Raya 3/3, South Jakarta in October 2020.

It was through this meeting that Stepanus was asked by Syahrial not to raise the case of alleged bribery of buying and selling positions to the investigation stage. Hearing this request, Stepanus also agreed and asked for compensation of IDR 1.7 even though what was transferred was only IDR 1.695 billion.

However, this case continues to be investigated and Syahrial contacted Azis Syamsuddin in April 2021 regarding this matter.

Second, Azis together with the private sector or former chairman of the Central Executive Board Youth Forces of the Golkar Party (AMPG) Aliza Gunado is also accused of giving bribes to Stepanus. The giving of up to billions of rupiah and tens of thousands of US dollars to Stepanus and Maskur is related to the 2017 Central Lampung Special Allocation Fund (DAK) bribery case.

"The defendant whom Azis Syamsudim asked for help then discussed with Maskur Husain to discuss whether they are willing to take care of the case involving Azis Syamsudin and Aliza Ginado related to the KPK investigation in Central Lampung", said the Prosecutor when reading the indictment at the Corruption Court, Monday, September 13.

As a result, it was agreed that Stepanus would help Azis Syamsudin and Aliza Gunado. As long as there is a cash reward of IDR 2 billion with a down payment of IDR 300 million which is eventually transferred by Azis.

Not only that, but Azis also gave 100 thousand US dollars on August 5 at his official residence. The handover of this money was carried out from August to March this year with a total of IDR 3.099 billion and USD 36 thousand.

Finally, Azis is said to have played a role in introducing Stepanus and Maskur Husein to the former Kutai Kertanegara Regent Rita Widyasari who was detained in Tangerang Class II Prison.

At that time, both of them promised to return the assets confiscated by the KPK and the reconsideration proposed by Rita would run smoothly. However, Stepanus asked for a compensation of IDR 10 billion and if the return of assets occurred he asked for an additional 50 percent of the total asset value.

In addition, Stepanus actually also received money from other litigants such as the inactive Mayor of Cimahi Ajay Muhammad Priatna amounting to IDR 507.390 million and IDR 525 million from the Director of PT Tenjo Jaya Usman Effendi to stop the investigation of the two cases.

On this charge, Stepanus admitted that he had received money from M Syahrial, Rita Widyasari, Ajay Muhammad Priatna, and Usman Effendi. He said this money was the result of a fraud he did to them with the lure of helping them deal with corruption cases.

"Regarding brothers Azis Syamsuddin and Aliza Gunado, I did not receive any money from them", said Stepanus after the indictment was read out, Monday, September 13.

The former investigator admitted that he regretted being a case broker at the KPK. He also apologized for his actions.

Meanwhile, the KPK has confirmed that it will investigate this case, including investigating the involvement of Azis Syamsuddin after his name appeared in Stepanus' indictment as a case broker.

"The alleged involvement of several parties mentioned in the indictment will also be investigated further", Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Ali Fikri told reporters.

He also emphasized that the indictment read by the prosecutor was the result of the investigation process. All of the defendants' accusations, he continued, must also be proven through the evidence and the results of the confirmation of the witnesses who will be presented.

"The public can participate in the trial process because it is open to the public", he concluded.