TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Monday announced that it has extended the detention period of the Home Affairs Ministry's former director general of regional finance, Mochamad Ardian Noervianto. His detention is extended for the next 30 days.

Ardian is a suspect in the alleged bribery case in a loan application for the 2021 National Economic Recovery Fund (PEN).

KPK acting spokesman Ali Fikri said in Jakarta, April 4, that investigators are still summoning witnesses to collect statements and evidence to complete the case file for the investigation of suspect Ardian.

Ardian was named as a suspect together with inactive Regent of East Kolaka, Andi Merya Nur, and the head of Muna Regency's Environmental Service, Laode M Syukur Akbar.

The KPK said Ardian is accused of running a form of direct government investment through the 2021 PEN loan from the central government to the regional government, through PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI).

In May 2021, Laode M Syukur brought together Andi Merya and Ardian in Jakarta. Andy Merya applied for a PEN loan of Rp350 billion and asked Ardian to oversee and support the loan application process.

The KPK said that Andi Merya's application for a PEN fund loan was approved and signed by Ardian Noervianto in the final draft of a letter from the Minister of Home Affairs to the Minister of Finance.

The KPK suspects that Ardian asked for compensation for his role by asking for 3 percent of the loan application value.

Read: KPK Puts Former Boss of Waskita Beton Behind Bars

ANTARA