Banjarmasin Prosecutor's Office Investigate Alleged Corruption in BPOM Balai Laboratory Project

BANJARMASIN - The District Attorney's Office of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, is investigating a case of alleged corruption in the construction of a laboratory building and public service center for Drug and Food Control (BBPOM) in Banjarmasin which cost a budget of more than IDR 27 billion.

"We have issued an Investigation Commencement Warrant (SPDP) for this case", said the Head of the Intelligence Section of the Banjarmasin Prosecutor's Office, Dimas Purnama Putra, as reported by ANTARA on Friday, January 6.

He explained that the object of the investigation was the construction of a laboratory building and public services for BBPOM phase II in 2019 and phase III in 2021 which are located in Banjarbaru City with a budget sourced from the State Budget of around IDR 16 billion and IDR 11 billion, respectively.

Dimas said the investigation team was coordinating with experts from universities in South Kalimantan to carry out a physical inspection of the building.

In the general investigation that is currently being carried out by the Banjarmasin Prosecutor's Office to look for evidence so that they can determine who the suspect is.

"Later, when everything is complete, a case will be held to determine which party should be responsible for this alleged act of corruption", he explained.

Referring to data from the lpse.pom.go.id page, in 2022 another tender will be held for the construction of a laboratory building and BBPOM public service office in Banjarmasin for phase IV with a ceiling value of IDR 34 billion.

At that time 137 construction companies took part in the auction, but the tender was canceled because none of the participants passed the bid evaluation.