Lawyer Galumbang Menak: No Mark Up, 4G BTS Project Not Stalled

The pledoi Galumbang Menak Simanjuntak and Irwan Hermawan trials are related to the 4G BTS case at the Central Jakarta District Court, Jakarta, Monday (6/11/2023). BETWEEN/Rina Nur Anggraini

The attorney for the defendant Galumbang Menak Simanjuntak, Maqdir Ismail, expressed his objection to the prosecutor's demands regarding the alleged price inflation (mark up) when submitting a list of quantities (bill of quantity/BoQ) in the 4G BTS tower project.

According to Maqdir, project financing has increased due to several factors, not mark-ups. Among other things, natural geographical conditions in the 3T area, logistical problems, transportation, and the availability of human resources are separate obstacles.

In fact, continued Maqdir, many villages in 3T do not yet have proper road infrastructure and electricity which results in swelling the cost of suspension.

"The Papuan area has difficult geographical conditions and security disturbances. Then, the location of the tower is spread in remote areas. Not only that, Infrastructure is also limited so that logistics costs are greater," said Maqdir, Wednesday, November 8.

With this condition, continued Maqdir, it resulted in an increase in project work financing. Including an increase in salaries for employees working on the project.

"For those in the area there (project work) is not easy. You can't make a profit. If there is an advantage, it's natural," said Maqdir.

Then, continued Maqdir, the assumption that the 4G BTS project was stalled is a wrong and misleading assumption. Because, based on the fact that the work of all consortiums has been completed, almost 100% outside the tower which is problematic due to the condition of the night.

"If the work has not been completed, don't be punished first," said Maqdir.

Likewise regarding state losses based on the results of the BPKP audit which stated that there was a state loss of Rp. 8 trillion, especially because the tower had not yet.

completed construction until March 31, 2022, is misleading. In fact, the construction of the BTS tower has continued until now and most of it has been completed.

"This is ridiculous BPKP. The money received from the project is Rp7.7 trillion, but the loss value is Rp8 trillion. This is ridiculous, this must be stopped. The Constitutional Court has decided to calculate the losses that must be BPK, not arbitrary. We want to enforce the law," said Maqdir.

Maqdir previously also questioned that the application of the money laundering article against his client was fulfilled if someone had received a sum of money and used it.

On that basis, he said, Galumbang Menak should have been released.

"So, it should be released. Because the elementiom loses. Plus the BPKP calculation method is also wrong. Prosecutors can't prove anything," said Maqdir.

Galumbang Menak Simanjuntak previously also expressed objections to the prosecutor's indictment which was submitted through a memorandum of defense or plea. He objected to being prosecuted for 15 years in prison for not enjoying the proceeds of corruption that were called by the prosecutor in the indictment.

"Until today I do not accept what is alleged. This is also agreed by the prosecutor in his claim that I do not enjoy the results of corruption in the 4G BTS project," said Galumbang.