Mardani Maming Surrenders, KPK: We Give Opportunity To Defend Ourselves

) Mardani H. Maming arrives at the KPK (Wardhany Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) appreciates the presence of the former Tanah Bumbu Regent, Mardani H. Maming, who had been on the run at their headquarters. He will certainly get a chance to defend himself.

"We make sure that the KPK gives the suspects the same opportunity to defend themselves in the process of investigation, prosecution and trial according to the mechanism and legal corridors," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Ali Fikri told reporters, Thursday, July 28.

The anti-corruption commission ensures that it will uphold human rights, the principle of presumption of innocence, and justice when dealing with allegations of corruption. Including, bribes and gratuities allegedly committed by Mardani.

"KPK invites the public to continue to follow the information on the development of this case, and the KPK will provide updates as a form of transparency," he said.

Mardani Maming turned himself in to the KPK today, Tuesday, July 28. He arrived at the KPK's Red and White Building at 14.00 WIB accompanied by his attorney, Denny Indrayana.

Arriving at the KPK, Mardani had a chance to protest regarding his determination as a fugitive. The reason is that he has sent a letter asking for a postponement of the examination and will appear on July 28.

Previously, Mardani was named a suspect after being prevented from going abroad by the Directorate General of Immigration at the request of the KPK. Before being named a suspect, he had also been questioned.

However, after being questioned, Mardani 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 once said to have received Rp 89 billion in money in a trial for alleged bribery of a mining business license (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.