SYL Forced Picked Up By KPK, Febri Diansyah: I'm Sure I Won't Escape

Pengacara eks Mentan Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Febri Diansyah di Gedung Merah Putih KPK, Kuningan Persada, Jaksel, Kamis 12 Oktober malam. (Tsa Tsia-VOI)

Attorney for the former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Febri Diansyah, confirmed that his client would not run away from the legal process of corruption cases at the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan).

This was conveyed by Febri after Syahrul was forcibly picked up by investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Thursday night, October 12 even though he stated that he would cooperate in fulfilling the summons on Friday, October 13.

"I make sure Mr. Syahrul Yasin Limpo will not run away," Febri told reporters at the KPK's Red and White House, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Thursday night.

Febri said Syahrul's cooperative attitude was shown because he had arrived in Jakarta from Makassar, South Sulawesi. He also said he would attend the second summons.

"So an indication of where he escaped," said the former KPK spokesman.

Likewise with concerns about eliminating evidence. Febri said, this step will not be taken, especially since a lot of evidence has been found.

"So let's look at the proportional handling of this case and the legal rules as the basis," said Febri.

As previously reported, Syahrul was forcibly picked up in the Kebayoran area, South Jakarta on Thursday night. He immediately underwent an examination at the KPK's Red and White Building.

The KPK has announced Syahrul and two of his subordinates, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture Kasdi Subagyono and Director of Agricultural Equipment of the Ministry of Agriculture Muhammad Hatta as suspects on Wednesday, October 11. All three were involved in alleged extortion and gratuities.

In this case, Syahrul through his two subordinates was suspected of extorting his employees by requiring to pay the deposit every month. The nominal varies between 4,000-10,000 United States dollars.

It is believed that the money collected does not only come from the realization of the Ministry of Agriculture's budget inflated or mark-ups but from vendors working on projects. The money is given in cash, transfers or goods.