KPK Summons Ambon City Agency Head Regarding Alleged Bribery For Alfamidi Outlet Development

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Sector Ali Fikri (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission summoned the Head of the Ambon City Public Housing and Settlement Areas Office, Rustam Simanjuntak.

He was summoned as a witness in connection with the alleged bribery in the approval of the permit in principle for the construction of Alfamidi outlets in Ambon City which ensnared the inactive Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy.

"The person in question is being questioned as a witness for suspect RL," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, to reporters, Friday, June 10.

Ali has not specified what investigators from Rustam will investigate. However, the anti-corruption commission once said that there was evidence in the alleged bribery case which was destroyed by burning by a head of service.

Apart from Rustam, there are other witnesses who will be examined. They are the Head of Water Resources Management and Settlement Infrastructure at the Ambon PUPR Service, CI Chandra Futwebun; a civil servant Coordinator for Ambon City Government Representative in Jakarta Karen Wolker Dias; and private named Telly Nio.

As previously reported, the KPK named Ambon City Mayor Richard Louhenpessy as a suspect for accepting bribes along with his subordinates, the administrative staff of the Ambon City Government (Pemkot) Andrew Erin Hehanusa.

This bribe was given in connection with the approval for the 2020 Alfamidi minimarket retail branch construction permit in Ambon City. As for the giver, Alfamidi's employee, Amri.

In this case, the anti-corruption commission suspected that Richard had asked for an allotment of Rp. 25 million for each permit he issued. Meanwhile, regarding the construction permit for 20 Alfamidi retail outlets, Richard is suspected of receiving Rp500 million from Amri.

In addition, he is suspected of receiving a flow of funds from several parties as a gratuity. However, the KPK has not stated the number because investigators are still investigating further.