Observer’s Words on Firli’s Unfinished Case Files

Former Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Committee (KPK) Firli Bahuri (MI/Adam Dwi)

THE Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) responded to the case file of Firli Bahuri which has not been transferred by the Metro Jaya Police to the Jakarta High Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati). The file of the former KPK Chairman is considered to have not been completed because there are two cases that must be sent at once.

“Yes, I still understand that Polda Metro Jaya is completing the files because now one more file has been added regarding the alleged criminal act of the KPK leadership meeting with KPK patients, Article 36 of the KPK Law. That is not allowed and is subject to a sentence of 5 years (in prison),” said MAKI Coordinator Boyamin Saiman to Medcom.idSunday (25/8).

For information, the first case is the alleged acceptance of gratification, bribery, and extortion of former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL). Second, Article of Law (UU) Number 30 of 2002 concerning the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), which contains a prohibition on KPK members meeting directly with suspects or parties related to corruption cases handled by the KPK for any reason.

“Well, as far as I know from the news, the prosecutor’s request was also to make it one withdrawal, even though there are two incidents and two files, but they were asked to be completed together and later the prosecutor should have brought them to court together if it was declared complete,” said Boyamin.

Boyamin is optimistic that Firli’s case will proceed to trial. Because, he said, the evidence found by Polda Metro Jaya investigators is very strong.

“I met with the KPK patient (SYL) several times, not only at the Badminton Sports Hall but also at the house on Jalan Kertanegara in South Jakarta, where there was also a meeting regarding the alleged flow of money and several incidents. The evidence is also there and I think the witnesses are strong enough, so yes, this is worthy of P-21,” said Boyamin.

Also read: Maki’s Attorney Suspects the Reason Firli Bahuri Has Not Been Detained

Previously, Polda Metro Jaya ensured that it would not suspend Firli Bahuri’s suspect status in the case of alleged acceptance of gratuities, bribes, and extortion of former Minister of Agriculture SYL. The police also emphasized that the investigation of the case was carried out professionally, transparently, and accountably,”

“We promise to complete the investigation into the a quo case,” said the Director of Special Criminal Investigation (Dirreskrimsus) of Polda Metro Jaya Kombes Ade Safri Simanjuntak to journalists, Wednesday (21/8).

Ade said Firli’s case filing is still in progress. He ensured that he would convey the developments to the public.

Also read: Firli Still Free, MAKI Sues the Chief of Police and the Metro Jaya Police Chief

“Currently it is still progressing, the investigation is still ongoing, we will provide updates later,” he concluded.

For information, in the trial of defendant SYL, it was revealed that the former Minister of Agriculture had given money to Firli Bahuri totaling Rp1.3 billion. SYL said the money was a form of his friendship with Firli. The money worth Rp1.3 billion was handed over twice.

Namely Rp500 million in foreign currency (valas) at the Mangga Besar Badminton Sports Hall, West Jakarta. Meanwhile, Rp800 million through Semarang Police Chief Kombes Irwan Anwar, who is also SYL’s brother.

Firli Bahuri was named a suspect in the case of accepting gratuities, bribes, and extortion of former Minister of Agriculture SYL on Thursday, November 23, 2023. He was not detained, but was prevented and barred from leaving the country.

Firli was charged with Article 12 letter e or Article 12 letter B, or Article 11 of Law Number 31 of 1999 as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning amendments to Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption in conjunction with Article 65 of the Criminal Code. With the threat of life imprisonment. (P-5)