KPK senses corruption in Kutai Bridge construction

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) says it suspects that the construction of the Kutai Kertanegara Bridge in East Kalimantan was riddled with corruption, which ultimately resulted in its recent collapse.

“Basically, the collapse of the bridge indicates that there was some foul play in its construction process. For example, the amount of certain building materials such as iron or cement was reduced, which means that the bridge’s lifespan would not be as planned,” KPK deputy chairman M. Jasin said on Monday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Unfortunately, Jasin said, the KPK was not allowed to investigate the matter because the 710-meter bridge was constructed in 1995, while the antigraft commission has only been given authority to handle corruption cases that occurred after 1999.

However, Jasin said that the KPK could be called into action should the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) find that there was corruption in the bridge’s maintenance fund.

“The BPK should investigate the finances first. If there are indications of corruption in the use and maintenance of the bridge, then it would be the KPK’s job to take action,” he said.