Alleged flow of corruption funds to political party uncovered by Indonesia’s Anti-Corruption Commission

INDONESIA: Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed the discovery of a multi-billion rupiah flow of funds believed to be the result of corruption to the National Democratic Party (NasDem), which is affiliated with the former Minister of Agriculture, Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL).

This startling revelation was made by KPK Deputy Chairman Alexander Marwata during a press conference at the KPK headquarters in Jakarta on Friday (13 Oct).

Alexander Marwata, the Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). (Photo: KOMPAS.com)

The KPK has not disclosed the exact amount of funds diverted to NasDem, but Alexander Marwata assured that investigators are diligently delving into this case.

“KPK will continue to investigate,” he stated.

Moreover, the KPK has also stated its intention to trace and scrutinize the gratuities received by SYL, along with Kasdi Subagyono (KS) and Muhammad Hatta (MH).

Lavish expenditures and questionable pilgrimage expenses under investigation

Alexander Marwata alleged that the diverted funds, which were acquired through corrupt means by SYL, were used for the personal benefit of SYL and his family.

He explained, “The money used by SYL, known by KS and MH, includes credit card payments, car loan instalments for SYL’s Alphard car, home renovations, flight tickets for family members, as well as facial treatments and healthcare expenses, amounting to billions of rupiah.”

The KPK has reportedly found initial evidence that SYL, KS, and MH collectively enjoyed approximately IDR 13.9 billion (approximately US$884,099). Further investigations are ongoing.

“In addition, there was another use of money by SYL, KS, and MH, along with several officials in the Ministry of Agriculture, for the Umrah pilgrimage in the Holy Land, with a value in the billions of rupiah,” added Alexander Marwata.

In light of these findings, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Kasdi Subagyono, and Muhammad Hatta have all been declared as suspects and will be detained for the next 20 days.

NasDem Party denies corruption allegations, plans legal action against KPK’s claims

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Party has vehemently denied the allegations made by the KPK’s leadership.

“I deny what was conveyed by KPK leader Alex Marwata regarding the flow of funds to the NasDem party,” said Ahmad Sahroni, the General Treasurer of the NasDem Central Executive Board, at the NasDem headquarters in Jakarta on Saturday (14 Oct).

The Central Executive Board of the National Democatic Party denies the statement made by the leadership of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) regarding the alleged flow of corruption funds from their cadre, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, to the party. (WahanaNews.co)

Sahroni explained that any incoming funds must pass through the party’s treasurer, and he directly checked the party’s accounts, confirming that they did not receive the funds as stated by Alex Marwata.

He considered the KPK leader’s open statement about the flow of corruption funds reaching the party to be tendentious and mentioned that they are considering legal action to address these allegations.

The corruption case revolves around Syahrul Yasin Limpo’s alleged involvement in embezzlement and corrupt practices during his tenure as the Minister of Agriculture, a position he held from 2019 to 2024.

His alleged financial improprieties have come under scrutiny and raised questions about the potential impact on the NasDem party, with investigations continuing.