Mardani H. Maming Who Feels Criminalized After Being Named A Suspect

KPK Building/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The former Regent of Tanah Bumbu Mardani H. Maming feels he has been criminalized after being named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). However, this claim was immediately denied by the anti-corruption commission because cases that go up for investigation must be accompanied by evidence.

Through his written statement, Mardani, who now serves as General Treasurer (Bendum) of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board, feels he has been criminalized. He even accused the legal mafia and asked all parties to fight back.

"This country must not lose to the legal mafia, young people must unite against all of this, today it is my turn to be criminalized, what will come it could be your turn, many have been victims, but all the media are silent," Maming told reporters in a statement. it says, Tuesday, June 21

The state, continued, he must be saved from the legal mafia who can take anyone hostage. The former Regent of Tanah Bumbu also emphasized that he was not afraid to fight them.

Moreover, the actions of the legal mafia in the country can create legal uncertainty that complicates the investment process.

"I will not be afraid to fight the legal mafia, I believe the truth will still prevail," he said.

Against such accusations, the KPK then reacted by making sure it had solid evidence related to the case that ensnared Mardani. The chairman of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) was named a suspect in connection with the alleged bribery of mining permits.

"That a case goes up to the investigation stage, of course, is due to the adequacy of at least two pieces of evidence. This includes, of course, the investigation into the alleged corruption," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Affairs Ali Fikri told reporters, Tuesday, June 21.

This evidence, continued Ali, is believed to strengthen the allegations made by the suspects. In addition, the determination of the suspect is also believed to have complied with applicable regulations.

Even so, the KPK has not yet announced the suspect in this case. Ali said a more complete announcement regarding the mining permit case would be made during the detention process.

"How the complete construction of the case and who the suspects are, according to the KPK's policy, will be conveyed when an attempt is made to force detention or arrest," said Ali.

"Once again, we make sure that the KPK holds the principle that enforcing the law should not be done by violating the law itself," he stressed.

For information, Mardani's name was revealed to be a suspect after being prevented from going abroad by the Directorate General of Immigration. This prevention is carried out for six months from June 16 to December 16 next.

"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.

In this case, Mardani H Maming was questioned by KPK investigators some time ago. After being questioned, he 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.