70 Witnesses Examined By The KPK Regarding Alleged Grant Bribe In East Java

ILLUSTRATION BETWEEN

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed that dozens of witnesses have been questioned by investigators regarding the alleged bribery of grant funds from community groups in East Java.

The examination was to complete the files of four suspects, including the Deputy Chairperson of the East Java DPRD, Sahat Tua, P. Simandjuntak.

"Approximately 70 witnesses have been examined," said Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri to reporters, Tuesday, February 7.

The witnesses examined consisted of various elements, said Ali. "Executive, legislative, private, and community elements," he said.

The KPK ensures that the investigation of this bribery case will continue to be carried out. Every finding opens up opportunities to develop.

However, this development must be in accordance with the existing evidence. "In principle, we continue to develop the information and data that we have obtained in this investigation process," said Ali.

"As long as it is found that other parties are involved and that can be legally accounted for," he continued.

As previously reported, Sahat was named a suspect along with three other people, namely Sahat expert staff, Rusdi; Abdul Hamid who is the Head of Jelgung Village, Robatal District, Sampang Regency who is also the Coordinator of the Community Group; and Ilham Wahyudi alias Eeng who is the Coordinator of Pokmas Field.

The determination of the suspect was based on a hand arrest operation (OTT) on Wednesday, December 14. Sahat allegedly offered assistance to facilitate the proposal for a grant fund, which totaled Rp7.8 trillion. This gift is intended for agencies, institutions, community organizations in the East Java Provincial Government.

Sahat received from 2021 and continued until 2022 and then agreed to help for 2023 and 2024. The money received by the Golkar Party politician is thought to have reached Rp5 billion.