KPK Alleges Non-Active Ambon City Mayor Intervenes In Determining Project Auction Winners And Received Money From Contractors

KPK Building/Photo: VOI

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects that the mayor of Ambon, Richard Louhenapessy, often interferes with issuing permits and determining project tender winners. This allegation was explored from the examination of 12 witnesses consisting of officials in the Ambon City Government (Pemkot) and the private sector.

The dozens of witnesses were examined at the Maluku Police Satbrimob Office. Those examined were the Head of the Ambon City Public Works and Spatial Planning Service (PURP) Melianus Latuihamallo, the Ambon City Fire and Rescue Service Head Edwin Pattikawa, and the former Head of the Ambon City Environment and Waste Office Lucia Izaak.

Next, KPK investigators also examined Ambon City Health Service Head Wendy Pelupessy, Ambon City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Chief Executive Demianus Paais, Agriculture and Food Security Service Head Gustaf Dominggus Nendissa, former Head of Education and Culture Office Fahmi Salatalohy, Head of Transportation Agency Robert Sapulette, and Head of the Department of Industry and Trade Sirjhon Sapulette.

He was also examined by the Head of the Ambon City One-Stop Service Investment Service (DPMPTSP), Ferinanda Louhenapessy, former Secretary of the Mayor of Ambon and Treasurer of Operational Expenditures for the Mayor of 2017 Nunky Yullien Likumahua, and the 2013-2016 ULP Working Group as well as the 2017-2020 Goods and Services Procurement Working Group, Jermias Fredrik Tuhumena.

Meanwhile, the private parties examined were the License Manager of PT Midi Utama Indonesia Tbk Ambon Branch Nandang Wibowo, Director of CV Angin Timur Anthony Liando, Director of CV Kasih Karunia, and Director of CV Rotary Meiske de Fretes.

All witnesses were examined to complete the case files for alleged bribery and gratification related to the issuance of the approval for the principle permit for the construction of the Alfamidi branch in Ambon City 2020 which ensnared Richard.

"The witnesses were present (ASN and private parties), their knowledge was explored, among others related to the alleged active involvement of suspect RL in issuing business permits, including in determining the winner of the auction," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Sector Ali Fikri in a written statement quoted on Tuesday, May 24.

In addition, these dozens of witnesses were also confirmed regarding Richard's receipt of money. The money is thought to have come from contractors who got projects in Ambon City.

"It was also confirmed regarding the alleged flow of money received by suspect RL through several parties as his confidants, which were allegedly from several contractors working on various projects at the Ambon City Government," he said.

Actually, the KPK has also scheduled an examination of two witnesses, namely the Director of CV Lidio Pratama, Nessy Thomas Lewa, and the Director of PT Kristal Kurnia Jaya, Julian Kurniawan. However, neither of them were present.

"The investigative team will immediately schedule the next summons," said Ali.

Previously, the KPK named Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy as a suspect in the alleged corruption crime of giving gifts or promises related to the approval of the principle permit for the 2020 retail branch construction in Ambon City and receiving gratuities.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has also named the Ambon City Government Leadership Administrative Staff Andrew Erin Hehanussa and Ambon City Alfamidi employee Amri as suspects.

Richard is suspected of receiving bribes of around IDR 500 million from Amri in relation to the construction agreement for 20 Alfamidi outlets in Ambon City. Meanwhile, for the alleged gratification, the anti-corruption commission is currently investigating.