Dozens Of Witnesses In The Bribery Case Of Ex-walkot Ambon Related To Alfamidi's Permission To Not Attend, KPK Will Reschedule

ILLUSTRATION BETWEEN

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will recall 11 witnesses in the alleged bribery case that ensnared former Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy. The summons was made because they were not present when they would be questioned on Tuesday, August 9.

Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, confirmed that the rescheduling would be carried out in the near future. However, he did not specify when.

"The witnesses were not present and the investigation team will immediately reschedule," Ali told reporters, Thursday, August 11.

Those who did not attend were the former Head of General SR Aunalal; private sector from PT Ranggady Karya Pratama, Hengky Lililine; private sector, Amelia Rizky Pelu and Seldinus Palinussa; Director of CV Arojack, Theddy Jacky; Director of CV Intan Makmur, Abu Hanipa Tuankotta; and Chief Inspectorate Jacob Silano.

Then there is also retired Head of BPKAD Roberth Silooy; owner of Ayu Swalayan Sriani Imanuela; Unpatti Lecturer Marthinus Y Kainama; and the owner of an Indojaya supermarket, Tanihatu Mece.

It is not yet known what material will be examined from the 11 witnesses. However, they allegedly knew about Richard's receipt of bribes and gratuities.

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 Office 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 requested that the deposit of money with a minimum nominal value of Rp25 million use 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.