The ongoing investigation into corruption at Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture has revealed the involvement of family members, including the spouse of former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL), Muhammad Hatta, who serves as the Director of Agricultural Machinery at the ministry, and an unnamed member of the House of Reprsentatives (DPR). They have now been designated as suspects by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
This information emerged during the ethics trial of the suspended Chairman of the KPK, Firli Bahuri. The involvement of SYL’s family members and former spouse, as well as Muhammad Hatta and the parliament member, is mentioned in an official memo dated April 27, 2021. The memo alleges their participation in project arrangements within Kementan. The suspects are now facing corruption charges.
Syamsuddin Haris, a member of the Supervisory Board of the KPK, did not disclose the identities of SYL’s family involved in the project arrangements. However, this information is supported by statements from several witnesses who were examined during the ethics trial.
The investigation was initiated based on a report of corruption involving the procurement of cattle, fees, and the buying and selling of positions within agriculture ministry. The report was received on October 9, 2020. The case primarily revolves around irregularities in the cattle procurement project involving an unnamed DPR legislator within the Ministry of Agriculture for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
Firli, who was previously a high-ranking police general, has been heavily condemned for ethical violations. The Supervisory Board has called for his resignation from the leadership position at the KPK.
Firli has been found guilty of communicating and meeting with former Minister SYL, who is a party in the KPK case. Additionally, he was found to be dishonest in reporting his wealth on the State Officials’ Wealth Report (LHKPN), failing to declare certain income and debts. Firli also faced allegations related to the rental of a house in Jakarta.
These ethical violations came to light after the Supervisory Board examined several witnesses during the ethics trial, and existing evidence supported the accusations against the suspended KPK chairman.
