There Is A Party Influenced By Witness In The Case Of Bribery Of PEN Funds, KPK Threatens To Impose Articles On Investigation Obstacles

Ali Fikri/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said it would not hesitate to apply Article 21 of the Anti-Corruption Law to parties who try to influence witnesses.

This threat was conveyed after they received information that there were parties who deliberately influenced witnesses in the bribery case for applying for Regional National Economic Recovery (PEN) funds.

"KPK obtained information regarding allegations of certain parties deliberately influencing witnesses not to explain honestly before investigators," Ali said in a written statement to reporters, Tuesday, June 28.

Ali reminded anyone not to hinder the investigation process carried out by the KPK. Those who violate will be charged with Article 21 of the Anti-Corruption Law.

As for Article 21 of the Anti-Corruption Law, it is stated:

"Everyone who intentionally prevents, hinders, or thwarts directly or indirectly the investigation, prosecution and examination in court against suspects and defendants or witnesses in corruption cases, shall be punished with imprisonment for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 12 years. and or a minimum fine of Rp. 150 million and a maximum of Rp. 600 million.

"Anyone is prohibited from obstructing the investigation process that is currently being carried out by the KPK," said Ali.

"KPK reminds the existence of criminal threats as stipulated in Article 21 of the Anti-Corruption Law," he added.

In this case, the KPK has ensnared a number of parties, namely Andi Merya Nur who is the Regent of East Kolaka Regency for the period 2021-2026; Director General of Regional Financial Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mochamad Ardian Noervianto; Head of the Muna Laode Regency Environmental Service, M. Syukur Akbar; and Head of the Agency for Personnel and Human Resources Development of Muna Sukarman Loke Regency.

Most recently, the KPK also detained Laode Muhammad Rusdianto Emba, the younger brother of Muna Laode Regent Muhammad Rusman Emba.

In this case, Rusdianto, who is a local businessman in Southeast Sulawesi, is known to have many connections with a number of officials at the regional and central government levels.

Because of this, he was then asked by the inactive East Kolaka Regent Andi Merya Nur to take care of the application for PEN funds with a proposal of Rp350 billion.