KPK Quickly Searches For Evidence After Deciding Mardani H. Maming To Be A Suspect

KPK Building/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) immediately stepped on the gas to investigate the alleged bribery that ensnared Mardani H. Maming. Investigators are currently completing evidence related to the bribery case allegedly related to mining permits.

"We are still collecting and completing the evidence in this investigation," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Ali Fikri told reporters in a written statement quoted on Tuesday, June 21.

Ali said the case that ensnared Maming was currently in the investigation stage. However, he did not want to detail who the other suspects in the case were.

All developments in the alleged bribery case, continued Ali, will be made public. People are asked to be patient.

"We will always convey any developments," he said.

As previously reported, the Directorate General of Immigration confirmed that Maming was prevented from going abroad as a suspect for six months from June 16 to December 16. Prevention is carried out after being asked by the anti-corruption commission.

"Yes (prevented as a suspect, ed)," said Sub-Coordinator of Public Relations of the Directorate General of Immigration, Achmad Nur Saleh, confirming the information in a written statement, Monday, June 20.

Previously, Mardani H Maming had been questioned by KPK investigators some time ago. After being questioned, the former Regent of Tanah Bumbu admitted that he was asked for information regarding his problems with the owner of PT Jhonlin Group Samsudin Andi Arsyad alias Haji Isam.

Even so, Maming's name was actually mentioned as receiving Rp89 billion in money in a trial for alleged bribery for a mining business permit (IUP) in Tanah Bumbu Regency which was held at the Tipikor Court, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan (Kalsel).

This allegation was conveyed by the younger brother of former President Director of PT Prolindo Cipta Nusantara (PCN) Henry Soetio, Christian Soetio. At that time, Christian claimed to know that there was a flow of funds to the former Regent of Tanah Bumbu Mardani H Maming through PT Permata Abadi Raya (PAR) and PT Trans Surya Perkasa (TSP).

The money transfer has been going on since 2014. The amount of tens of billions of rupiah is referred to as the amount quoted based on PT PCN's financial statements.