KPK Apologizes, Claims To Be Khilaf Set Kabasarnas And Its Subordinates As Suspects Alleged Bribery

Deputy Chairperson of the KPK Johanis Tanak (left) press conference after holding a meeting with the ranks of the TNI Puspom at the KPK Building today, Friday, July 28. (Tsa Tsia-VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has finally apologized for naming the Head of the National SAR Agency (Basarnas) Marshal TNI Henri Alfiandi and the Administrative Coordinator (Koorsmin) Kabasarnas Lt. Col. Afri Budi Cahyanto as suspects in the alleged bribery that began with a hand arrest. They admitted that they made a mistake due to an error in the case handling process.

This was conveyed by the Deputy Chairperson of the KPK Johanis Tanak after holding a meeting with the ranks of the TNI Puspom today, Friday, July 28.

"Here there is an error from our team there was a mistake. Therefore, earlier we conveyed this mistake, we ask for forgiveness," said Johanis after holding the closed meeting.

Johanis said the KPK should coordinate with the TNI Puspom. Because Henri and Afri are still active soldiers.

However, this was not done by investigators. Whereas according to Article 10 of Law Number 14 of 1970 concerning the Law of Justice, every criminal act involving the military must be handed over to a military court.

"Therefore, in the meeting, (we, ed) conveyed to TNI friends that it could be conveyed to the Commander and TNI ranks for this mistake," he said.

"We beg for forgiveness," continued Johanis.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Central Military Police (Danpuspom) TNI Marsda Marshal Agung Handoko hopes not to widen. It is certain that this bribery case will also be handled professionally because it has received the attention of the TNI Commander, Admiral Yudo Margono.

"The commander is very disappointed. Disappointed because of why corruption is still happening in the TNI environment," said Agung.

"So this needs to be emphasized and the Commander is very committed to law enforcement issues, especially corruption," he continued.

Previously, the TNI Puspom expressed objections when the KPK named Henri together with the Kabasarnas Administrative Coordinator (Koorsmin) Lt. Col. Afri Budi Cahyanto as a suspect. This step is considered to have violated military regulations.

Meanwhile, Henri was named a suspect in the aftermath of a hand arrest operation (OTT) in Cilangkap, Jakarta and Jatisampurna, Bekasi on Tuesday, July 24.

Henri allegedly earned command funds of up to IDR 88.3 billion. The money was pocketed by private parties who wanted to work on projects at his institution from 2021-2023.

The receipt of the money is said to be an anti-corruption commission carried out by Henri through Koorsmin Kabasarnas Afri Budi Cahyanto.

Apart from Henri and Afri, the anti-corruption commission also determined three private parties who gave money during the silent operation. They are the President Commissioner of PT Multi Grafika Cipta Sejati Mulsunadi Gunawan, President Director of PT Intertekno Grafika Sejati Marilya, Managing Director of PT Kuntung Abadi Utama Roni Aidil.

This case began when Basarnas carried out several projects in 2023. The first project is the procurement of debris victims detection equipment with a contract value of Rp9.9 billion.

Second, the public safety diving equipment procurement project with a contract value of Rp. 17.3 billion. Finally, the procurement of ROV for KN SAR Ganesha is worth Rp. 89.9 billion.