Jakarta, Hilton News –
The defendant in the case of alleged extortion and receipt of gratuities as well as former Indonesian Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) denied the statement of former Secretary of the Quarantine Agency of the Ministry ofAgriculture Wisnu Haryana regarding the request to send Durian Musang King to official homes in the amount of IDR 46 million.
SYL admitted that she was surprised because the number was so large while in her family she was the only one who ate durian.
“I have a family, wife, children, grandchildren who don’t like your father’s durian, not even allowed to enter the durian house. I think I need to convey this, only I eat durian, for the sake of Allah the Messenger of Allah,” said SYL at the Jakarta District Court, Monday (20/5).
“Therefore, if there is a durian like this, I am surprised. But, please I will pour in my defense or pleidoi (later),” he continued.
On that occasion, SYL also straightened out witness information stating the purchase of sacrificial animals from the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget. As the ministry that oversees animal husbandry, explained SYL, the Ministry was ordered to donate sacrificial animals, especially for remote areas.
“And that is for all of Indonesia, especially in minus areas, Papua and others. So, Eid al-Kurban I want such clarification,” he added.
Previously, Wisnu Haryana revealed the request for Durian Musang King worth IDR 46 million to be sent to SYL’s official house on Jalan Widya Chandra, South Jakarta.
“Ok. This is the value if I look at all tens of millions. Witnesses at that time can report not how much? This is why, in a while, I will try a sample, February 19 durian IDR 21 million, June 18 durian IDR 22 million, June 22 durian IDR 46 million, August 6, 2021 yes durian IDR 30 million, August 31 durian IDR 27 million, November 30 durian IDR 18 million, then I see, in 2022 there is more, durian October 19, 2022 IDR 25 million, December 13 and so on, yes, I don’t need to read it anymore. Why is it a concern for my question because this is a lot of value and routine. What was the story like?” the prosecutor asked.
“Indeed, it is always a request, sir. Always the request submitted to the quarantine [Ministry of Quarantine Agency] to fulfill and once we send it is possible at least 6 boxes,” Wisnu replied.
Vishnu explained that each box contained five or seven small durians.
“Oh Musang King, Musang King 6 boxes cost around Rp21 million?” the prosecutor continued.
“Six boxes are one box containing 5 or there are up to 7 contents, if small up to 7 items,” replied Vishnu.
“I see this is the biggest up to Rp46 million. Has it been?” the prosecutor asked again.
“Ever,” replied Vishnu.
SYL was tried for alleged extortion of up to IDR 44,546,079,044 and gratuities were considered bribes of IDR 40,647,444,494 during the 2020-2023 period.
The crime was committed by SYL together with two other defendants, namely Secretary General of the Ministry Kasdi Subagyono and Director of Agricultural Tools and Machinery, Directorate General of Infrastructure and Facilities of the Ministry of Agriculture Muhammad Hatta.
SYL was also prosecuted by the KPK for alleged Money Laundering (TPPU). The case is still rolling in the investigation stage.
(ryn/DAL)
[Image:HN Video]