Ngabalin Explains Why He Was Not Arrested By The KPK When He Was With Minister Edhy

JAKARTA - Chief Expert of the Presidential Staff Office, Ali Mochtar Ngabalin, explained the reason he was not arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) when the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries was arrested, Edhy Prabowo.

Even though he returned to Jakarta on the same plane as Edhy, Ngabalin was not arrested. When the KPK investigating team came to Edhy, Ngabalin was not asked to participate in the arrest.

"We (Ngabalin and Edhy) separated earlier at the airport. They (the team of investigators) said that 'Pak Ngabalin is here.

Ngabalin admitted that he was the supervisor of the Stakeholder Commission and Public Consultation on Marine and Fisheries. Therefore, Ngabalin is also present in the collaboration on the optimization of sustainable shrimp farming in Honolulu, Hawaii.

However, Ngabalin is not a budget official at the KKP. "The KPK has data. I am not an official who makes a commitment, not an official user of the budget. So what is being sought is probably the minister," he said.

After separating from the group, Ngabalin admitted that he did not immediately return home. He first processed an immigration passport to confirm a swab test certificate from abroad.

"So, you don't go home right away. You have to wait. Because you have to do immigration work which has become a provision, such as checking goods and all kinds. It's normal," Ngabalin explained.

There was news that Ngabalin could not be contacted for several times. Regarding this, Ngabalin explained that he was taking a break because of jet lag.

"Just jet leg and fell asleep. That's why, it is difficult to be able to answer the phone. After that, I had a coordination meeting with the KKP special police via zoom," he said.

Previously reported, the Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri confirmed the arrest of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Edhy Prabowo.

This arrest was carried out by the prosecution team after Edhy and his entourage arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Cengkareng, Tangerang, to be precise at Terminal 3 of Honolulu, Hawaii, United States.

"Last night KP Minister was secured by the KPK at 3 Soetta Airport when he returned from Honolulu," Firli said in his statement to reporters.

The former Deputy for Enforcement said that Edhy was arrested because he was suspected of being involved in corruption in the issuance of the export permit for lobster fries or seeds.

"Now he is at the KPK for questioning. Please give the deputy team time to work first," he said.

After carrying out an arrest or arrest operation (OTT), the KPK then has 1x24 hours to determine their legal status that is secured in the OTT.