Andi Arief's Acknowledgment Of Receiving IDR 50 Million From PPU Regent Will Be Investigated By KPK

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said the acknowledgment of receipt of IDR 50 million by the Head of the Election Winning Body (Bappilu) of the Democratic Party Andi Arief would be investigated and analyzed. Moreover, the money is said to help deal with COVID-19.

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, said the investigation would be carried out by the public prosecutor (JPU). They did not immediately believe Andi's statement regarding the reason for giving the money.

"Of course, the next team of prosecutors will investigate and analyze the testimony of the said witness," Ali told reporters, Thursday, July 21.

In addition, the KPK prosecutor will re-confirm the information provided by Andi Arief with other witnesses. Abdul Gafur who gave the money, continued Ali, will also be confirmed in court.

"The team of prosecutors will also reconfirm with other witnesses and the defendant as well as other evidence," he said.

As previously reported, Andi admitted that he received IDR 50 million from the inactive North Penajam Paser Regent Abdul Gafur. At the Samarinda Corruption Court, Andi, who was presented as a witness, said he did not know where the money came from.

The Democrat Party politician said the money he received in black plastic bags was used to deal with the spread of COVID-19. When the gift was given, many party cadres bearing the star of mercy were exposed to the virus.

"As far as I know, Gafur gave it in March 2021 and another one I forgot the month and that I didn't ask for," Andi said at the trial at the Samarinda Corruption Court, Wednesday, 20.

"Only at that time, sir, don't look at it from now on, that COVID hit a lot of Democrat Party cadres at that time. So Mr. Gafur gave a surprise by helping," continued Andi.

Andi refused if this gift was said to be related to the Regional Conference (Musda) of the East Kalimantan Democratic Party. "Because this Mr. Gafur, since a long time ago really paid attention to the DPP, also to small employees," he said.

In addition to the money in black plastic, Andi also said that a second gift was made. Only, he did not know the nominal amount of money.