Former Ambon Mayor Allegedly Often Receives Facilitation Fees For Issuing Permits

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects that former Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy often received money to issue permits in his area. This allegation was investigated by examining seven witnesses.

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, said that the seven witnesses were being questioned at the Maluku Police Mobile Brigade Headquarters, Monday, August 8. One of those investigated was the chairman of the Ambon DPRD, Ely Toisutta.

"Witnesses were present and confirmed, among others, related to the process of applying for various permits at the Ambon City Government, which is suspected of having deposited a sum of money for suspect RL so that the permit process is immediately issued," Ali told reporters, Tuesday, August 9.

Apart from Ely, those being investigated were the owner of RM Sari Gurih, Martha Tanihaha; Ambon City DPRD member, Everd H Kermite; Head of the Ambon Regional Tax and Levy Management Agency, Rolex Segfried De Fretes; Head of Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency, Aries Gaspezs; Head of UPTD Parking, Izaac Jusak Said; and the Head of the Health Service, Wendy Pelupessy.

Investigators will actually examine six other witnesses. They are private Grivandro Louhenapessy; PNS-Kadiskominfo Ambon Joy Reiner Adriaansz; bookstore owner NN Sieto Nini Bachry; Head of the Department of Industry and Trade Sirjhon Slarmanat; PNS Hervianto; and Enrico R Matitaputty who is the Head of Bappeda.

However, the six witnesses were not present. "The investigation team will immediately reschedule," said Ali.

Previously reported, Richard and administrative staff led by the Ambon City Government Andrew Erin Hehanusa (AEH) were named suspects as bribe recipients in the alleged bribery case related to the licensing principle for the construction of retail branches in 2020 in Ambon City and receiving gratuities.

Meanwhile, the bribe giver is Amri (AR) from the private sector or an employee of Alfamidi Ambon City.

Regarding the construction of the case, the KPK explained that in 2020 Richard, who served as Mayor of Ambon City for the 2017-2022 period, had the authority, one of which was to give approval for the principle permit for the construction of retail branches in Ambon City.

In the processing of the permit, it is suspected that the suspect Amri was actively communicating and held a meeting with Richard so that the permit for the construction of the Alfamidi retail branch could be immediately approved and issued.

Following up on Amri's request, Richard then ordered the Head of PUPR of the Ambon City Government to immediately process and issue various permit applications, including a place of business permit (SITU) and a trading business license (SIUP).

For each permit document that was approved and issued, Richard asked for the delivery of money with a minimum nominal value of Rp. 25 million using a bank account belonging to Andrew, who is Richard's confidant.

As for the issuance of approval in principle for the construction of 20 Alfamidi outlets, there is an allegation that Richard received Rp500 million from Amri through Andrew's bank account. In addition, Richard is also suspected of receiving a number of funds from various parties as gratuities.