KPK Is Looking For A Link To The Gratification Case Of The Former Head Of Makassar Customs And The Rise Of Goods Smuggling

KPK investigators put the suitcase into the car after searching the house which allegedly belonged to the former Head of Makassar Customs Andhi Pramono in Batam City (ANTARA/Yude)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will investigate the conspiracy of the importers and Customs and Excise. This effort was carried out by investigating allegations of receiving gratuities from the former Head of Makassar Customs Andhi Pramono. "Does this have anything to do with the official we have named the suspect (Andhi Pramono, ed) in conspiracy by the importer or exporter by outsmarting the notification document for the import of goods or export of goods, lowering the import duty tariff, or other taxes so that the person concerned receives gratuities," said KPK Deputy Chair Alexander Marwata to reporters, Wednesday, June 7. Alexander said that there were still many Customs and Excise officials who were tempted to receive gifts from importers even though they were at the forefront. Thus, Andhi's case became the attention of the anti-corruption commission. "Yes, indeed, it becomes very vulnerable when importers want to enter goods that are actually prohibited in Indonesia, or lower the import duty to become the mode of the apparatus or officials in Customs and Excise," he said. This step was taken to prevent state losses. "For example, the tariffs charged to importers or exporters are lower than the provisions," explained Alexander. "There must be a loss to the country," he added. Not only that, the KPK will also investigate other parties in the Andhi case. Alexander said, the modus operandi could not be done alone. "If the mode is like that, it's definitely not alone. Maybe the staff or even our superiors don't know. This will certainly be explored further," he said. As previously reported, Andhi has been named a suspect in the alleged receipt of gratuities. This determination began after the public highlighted his assets, the KPK made a clarification. The KPK ensures that the determination of the suspect is in accordance with applicable regulations. Investigators have pocketed evidence of receipts by Andhi. Furthermore, the anti-corruption commission also has the opportunity to ensnare Andhi with the alleged money laundering crime (TPPU). Investigators are looking for evidence.

"It is true, the KPK continues to develop this investigation towards money laundering to optimize the confiscation of corruption proceeds that have turned into economic assets in the case," said Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri to reporters, Thursday, June 1.