Jakarta, Hilton News –
Former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) once asked to buy a microphone for IDR 25 million.
This was revealed by the Director of Plantations of the Ministry of Agriculture Andi Nur Alamsyah when presented by the KPK prosecutor team in a follow-up hearing of the case of alleged extortion and receipt of gratuities of SYL et al at the Jakarta District Court, Monday (20/5).
“Because the witness mentioned BAP [Minutes of Examination], here the witness said there was a request for mic. Remember the witnesses?” KPK prosecutor Meyer Simanjuntak asked during the trial.
“Yes, it’s through chat. The minister told me that the price was around Rp25 million and we bought it. We convey it to Wichan [Widya Chandra, the minister’s official house],” replied Andi.
Andi explained that the request was conveyed by SYL directly to him via text message.
“Through chat, huh?” the prosecutor asked.
“Chat,” replied Andi.
“The witness has poured it into BAP,” the prosecutor continued.
“Yes, and the position of the minister said that ‘I borrow, Dek’,” said Andi.
Prosecutors also presented evidence of conversations asking for money for the microphone purchase. There is also a microphone in the conversation.
“Until now, the money has been paid?” the prosecutor asked.
“Not yet,” said Andi.
On this day, the KPK prosecution team called seven witnesses to testify at the trial of SYL et al. Besides Andi, they are Dedi Nursyamsi (Head of PPSDMP); Siti Munifah (Seskaban PPSDMP); RR Nina Murdiana (Head of Financial Substance &; State Property Group BPPSDMP); Sugiarti (Head of Finance of Food Security Agency); Lucy Anggraini (Young Planning Functional at the Quarantine Agency); and Vishnu Haryana (Secretary of the Quarantine Agency).
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/fra)
[Image:HN Video]