Not Only Alfamidi, KPK Alleges Other Businesses Must Give Facilitation Money When Dealing With Licensing Documents In Ambon City

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri. (VOI-Tsa Tsia)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) continues to investigate the alleged bribery of permits that ensnared former Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy. Investigators are now investigating the alleged facilitation payments not only experienced by Alfamidi but also other businesses.

This was investigated by examining five witnesses on Thursday, August 4th. Of these, three of them are parties from Alfamidi.

Those who represent Alfamidi are Corp Communication, License And Franchise Director of PT Midi Utama Indonesia, Tbk, Solihin; License Manager of PT Midi Utama Indonesia, Tbk Ambon branch Nandang Wibowo; and Deputy Branch Manager of PT Midi Utama Indonesia, Tbk Ambon branch Wahyu Sumantri.

While the other two are entrepreneurs. They are Philygrein Miron Calvert Hehanusa and Maria Sutini Weking.

"The witnesses were present and their knowledge was examined, among others, related to the alleged flow of a sum of money for the processing of various approval documents for the principle permit for the construction of retail branches and other business activities in 2020 in Ambon City," Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement Ali Fikri told reporters, Friday, August 5th.

Ali did not specify how much the facilitation fee was given for the permit processing. However, the testimony of these witnesses is needed in order to make light of Richard's actions.

Previously reported, Richard and administrative staff led by the Ambon City Government Andrew Erin Hehanusa (AEH) were named suspects as bribe recipients in the alleged bribery case related to the licensing principle for the construction of retail branches in 2020 in Ambon City and receiving gratuities.

Meanwhile, the bribe giver is Amri (AR) from the private sector or an employee of Alfamidi Ambon City.

Regarding the construction of the case, the KPK explained that in 2020 Richard, who served as Mayor of Ambon City for the 2017-2022 period, had the authority, one of which was to give approval for the principle permit for the construction of retail branches in Ambon City.

In the processing of the permit, it is suspected that the suspect Amri was actively communicating and held a meeting with Richard so that the permit for the construction of the Alfamidi retail branch could be immediately approved and issued.

Following up on Amri's request, Richard then ordered the Head of PUPR of the Ambon City Government to immediately process and issue various permit applications, including a place of business permit (SITU) and a trading business license (SIUP).

For each permit document that was approved and issued, Richard asked for the delivery of money with a minimum nominal value of Rp. 25 million using a bank account belonging to Andrew, who is Richard's confidant.

As for the issuance of approval in principle for the construction of 20 Alfamidi outlets, there is an allegation that Richard received Rp500 million from Amri through Andrew's bank account. In addition, Richard is also suspected of receiving a number of funds from various parties as gratuities.