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KPK arrests Muna regent, businessman in PEN fund graft case
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The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building (left) is seen in Jakarta, on June 27, 2023. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)
T
he Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Muna Regent Laode Muhammad Rusman Emba and businessman Laode Gomberto in relation to alleged bribery in a National Economic Recovery (PEN) fund graft case.
The KPK arrested Muna Regent Laode Muhammad Rusman Emba and PT Pembangunan Sultra owner Laode Gomberto on Monday after they were named as suspects in a bribery case related to the disbursement of National Economic Recovery (PEN) funds for Muna regency, Southeast Sulawesi, in 2021-2022.
“For investigation purposes, the investigation team has detained suspect LMRE [Laode Muhammad Rusman Emba] for 20 days from Monday to Dec. 16 at the KPK detention center,” KPK deputy for investigation Asep Guntur Rahayu said, as quoted by tempo.co.
“Meanwhile, suspect LG [Laode Gomberto] had already been detained from Nov. 22 to Dec. 11 at the KPK detention center.”
The KPK previously had named two other suspects in the case, former regional administration finance director general at the Home Ministry Mochamad Ardian Noervianto and Muna Environmental Agency chief Laode M. Syukur Akbar.
Rusman is suspected of bribing Ardian with Rp 2.4 billion (US$155,189.04) to secure a maximum PEN loan of Rp 401.5 billion. Rusman allegedly instructed Syukur to find donors to prepare the funds. Syukur then contacted Gomberto, who assured him of his closeness to Ardian.
According to Asep, Gomberto provided Rp 2.4 billion from his personal funds.
