TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Laode Muhammad Syarif, said many officials in Bekasi Regency were potentially involved in the alleged bribery case in the Meikarta project. KPK has set Bekasi Regent Neneng Hasanah Yasin and four Bekasi District Administration officials as the suspects.

“The Meikarta project has planned for the construction of apartments, shopping centers, hospitals, and education centers. So it requires a lot of permits, including recommendations for fire prevention, environmental impact, floods, garbage dumps, and burial grounds,” Laode said, Monday, October 15.

Laode said Lippo Group promised commitment fees for the first phase of Rp13 billion. But until now, only around Rp7 billion has been given, which was carried out in April, May and June, to various officials in Bekasi Regency.

Laode said the agencies allegedly received funds from Meikarta, including the Public Works Office, the Environmental Service, Fire Department, and Investment Office and Integrated Licensing Service (DPM-PPT).

KPK revealed Meikarta’s case after holding the sting operation in Jakarta and Surabaya on October 14. KPK arrested 10 people and seized S$90,000 and Rp513 million.

KPK also set the Operational Director of Lippo Group Billy Sindoro. Billy allegedly bribed the Bekasi Regent Neneng Hassanah Yasin and a number of officials in the district administration to facilitate Meikarta`s permission.

CHITRA PARAMAESTI