KPK Not Afraid To Find Evidence Even Though Mardani Maming Files Pretrial

PDIP politician and PBNU General Treasurer (Bendum) Mardani H. Maming. (HIPMI doc)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is not afraid even though former Tanah Bumbu Regent Mardani H. Maming has submitted a pretrial to the South Jakarta Court.

The search for evidence of inappropriate practices allegedly carried out by the General Treasurer of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) will continue.

"The collection of evidence will certainly continue even if there is a pretrial request," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, to reporters quoted on Friday, July 1.

In an effort to collect evidence, KPK investigators have also examined nine people. They consist of private parties, lawyers, to state civil servants.

The statements of these witnesses, continued Ali, are needed. The goal is to make the alleged bribery of mining licenses that dragged Mardani clearer.

"The statements of the witnesses strengthen the evidence of the article elements in the process of investigating this case," he said.

Mardani filed a pretrial lawsuit to the South Jakarta District Court. This submission was made after he was named as a suspect and received a letter of determination from the KPK.

As for his defense, Mardani feels he is a victim of the legal mafia. He also felt himself being criminalized.

Before being named a suspect, Mardani had been questioned by the KPK some time ago. However, after being questioned, he admitted that he was asked for information regarding his problem 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 of 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.