From The Alfamidi Branch Licensing Bribery Case, KPK Reminds Honest Entrepreneurs To Run Their Business

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) reminds entrepreneurs to run their business honestly.

This warning came after the Mayor of Ambon, Richard Louhenapessy, as a suspect in alleged bribery related to the permit for the construction of the Alfamidi mini market branch in Ambon City in 2020.

"KPK also urges business actors to run their business by applying honest business principles in order to create a healthy, competitive business climate and avoid corrupt practices," said KPK Chair Firli Bahuri in a KPK RI YouTube show quoted on Saturday, May 14.

Firli also gave a warning to regional heads. They are asked not to abuse their authority, let alone to accept unauthorized grants from permits.

Firli reminded that the granting of business licenses should be in accordance with existing regulations. So that, in the future, economic progress can occur and all businesses run in accordance with applicable regulations.

"KPK is concerned that there are still regional heads who abuse their authority to obtain personal gain by illegal means by issuing business permits," said Firli.

"The granting of a business license should be a means to encourage the economic progress of the community, as well as to ensure that business practices run in accordance with applicable rules and regulations," he added.

Firli said that business licensing is indeed the focus of the KPK at this time. There are various strategies that are carried out starting from prevention, education, to enforcement.

"Business licensing is also the focus of the KPK's area of corruption eradication, both through education, prevention and enforcement strategies," he said.

As previously reported, the KPK has appointed Ambon City Mayor Richard Louhenpessy. He was named a suspect for receiving bribes along with his subordinates, the administrative staff of the Ambon City Government (Pemkot) Andrew Erin Hehanusa.

This bribe was given in connection with the approval for the 2020 Alfamidi minimarket retail branch construction permit in Ambon City. As for the giver, Alfamidi's employee, Amri.

In this case, the KPK suspects that Richard asked for an allotment of Rp. 25 million for each permit he issued. Meanwhile, regarding the construction permit for 20 retail outlets, Richard is suspected of receiving Rp500 million from Amri.

In addition, he is suspected of receiving a flow of funds from several parties as a gratuity. However, the KPK has not stated the number because investigators are still investigating further.