The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is leaving no stone unturned in its mission to combat corruption, with the possibility of investigating former Minister of Manpower, Muhaimin Iskandar, who served from 2009 to 2014.
This potential probe is in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption and bribery.
The investigation is linked to suspicions of corruption in the procurement of Indonesia’s labor protection system within the Ministry of Manpower back in 2012.
Additionally, Muhaimin Iskandar’s name was mentioned in connection with alleged involvement in the misappropriation of funds for the acceleration of regional infrastructure development within the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration (Kemenakertrans) in 2011.
This case came to light after the KPK conducted a sting operation (OTT) involving two officials from Kemenakertrans: I Nyoman Suisnaya, the Secretary of the Directorate General of Transmigration Area Development (Ditjen P2KT), and Dadong Irbarelawan, the Head of the Planning and Evaluation Section at Kemenakertrans. They were apprehended alongside a businesswoman named Dharmawati, who is alleged to have offered bribes amounting to IDR 1.5 billion.
Asep Guntur Rahayu, the Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, explained that the possibility of summoning Muhaimin arises due to the timing of the alleged corrupt activities during his tenure as Minister of Manpower. He emphasized that the KPK’s investigation would adhere to the timeline of events.
“So, we will conduct the examination in accordance with its timing, when the events occurred,” Asep stated on September 2, 2023.
According to Asep, the examination of Muhaimin is a part of the ongoing investigative process. He clarified that the option to summon witnesses is not limited to Muhaimin Iskandar but extends to all officials within the Ministry of Manpower during the period in question.
“We may request statements from all officials during that time. Why? Because we need to obtain the clearest possible information,” Asep remarked.
As of now, the KPK has designated three individuals as suspects in the investigation into alleged corruption in the procurement of the labor protection system for Indonesian migrant workers in 2012. KPK’s Head of Public Relations, Ali Fikri, disclosed that these suspects consist of two civil servants (ASN) and one private individual.
However, the profiles of these individuals will only be disclosed after the legal process is completed. Ali explained that evidence related to the corruption of the migrant worker protection system had been collected since July 2023. The case was then elevated to the investigation stage in August 2023 through a summoning letter.
Furthermore, investigators suspect that the alleged corruption case may have caused financial losses to the state, as stipulated in Article 2 or Article 3 of Law Number 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001.
Right on time before election
It’s worth noting that the KPK had previously announced its intention to summon Muhaimin for questioning regarding these corruption allegations. This plan coincided with Muhaimin’s declaration as a presidential candidate alongside Anies Baswedan.
However, KPK spokesperson Ali Fikri was quick to clarify that the investigation has no connection to Cak Imin’s presidential candidacy in the current political landscape.
“The case has undergone an extensive process within the Enforcement Division, including the collection of statements, until it finally progressed to the investigation stage in July 2023,” Ali clarified.
According to Ali, the investigation into corruption at Kemenakertrans is a result of a meticulous and comprehensive examination process. It was initiated prior to the current political turmoil, demonstrating the KPK’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption irrespective of external factors.
PKB responds to Muhaimin’s investigation by KPK
In response to the allegation and probe against Muhaimin, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Nationa; Awakening Party (Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa – PKB) Syaiful Huda said that the party had no preconceived notions regarding the summons.
“We will simply observe the legal process in which Gus Imin [Muhaimin] is being questioned regarding this matter,” Syaiful said on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
He only mentioned that Muhaimin would cooperate with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
“In principle, Gus Imin [Muhaimin], as a responsible citizen, will attend, and God willing, everything will proceed smoothly,” he stated.
Syaiful expressed that the party will provide its support for the KPK in the context of combating corruption.
Regarding any potential political motives, Syaiful stated that PKB will leave that matter to the public and believes that the public make their own objective assessment.
