Covid-19 Aid Graft; KPK to Explore Potential State Loss

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was investigating state financial losses related to the Covid-19 social assistance corruption case involving Social Affairs Minister Juliari Batubara and other officials.

“What we have seen so far [in this case] is related to the bribery of staple food aid. We are examining the process of the goods and services procurement, on whether it causes state loss. Those issues are being explored,” said the KPK deputy chairman Alexander Marwata on Monday, Dec. 14.

Investigators, he added, would report to the KPK chairman should there be an element of state loss from the bribery case.

“This information is still being developed. If there is sufficient evidence, investigators will usually present it to the chairman. For example, if there is an alleged price hike [in the goods and service procurement] causing state losses, then investigators will develop it,” Alex explained.

The KPK named Batubara and four other suspects in the alleged bribery case concerning the Covid-19 social assistance program for Jakarta Greater Area or Jabodetabek. They were two ministry officials Matheus Joko Santoso (MJS) and Adi Wahyono (AW), and two private parties Ardian IM (AIM) and Harry Sidabuke (HS). 

Juliari Batubara was suspected to have received a bribe worth Rp17 billion as the commission fee for the provision of social assistance for people affected by Covid-19 in Jabodetabek.

Also Read: Covid-19 Aid Graft Case; KPK Searches Minister Juliari Batubara's House

ANTARA