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KPK accuses regent of accepting kickback for mosque construction
South Solok regent has been named graft suspect in a case involving the construction of a local grand mosque.
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Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy chairwoman Basaria Pandjaitan. (Antara/Aprillio Akbar)
T
he Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named the regent of South Solok in West Sumatra, Murni Zakaria, a graft suspect for allegedly accepting bribes pertaining to two construction projects, including a grand mosque, in the regency.
He has also been implicated in alleged corruption surrounding the reconstruction of the Ambayan Bridge, which was heavily damaged during a flash flood in the regency in 2016. The bridge reconstruction has been valued at around Rp 14 billion (US$979,363), while the mosque project was valued at Rp 55 billion.
“We regret that corruption related to infrastructure projects is still happening,” KPK deputy chairwoman Basaria Pandjaitan said during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Apart from the regent, the antigraft body also named Muhammad Yamin Kahar, the owner of construction company PT Dempo Bangun Bersama, a suspect in the case.
Murni allegedly offered Yamin the two construction projects between January and March last year, and these were accepted by the businessman. After the agreement was reached, the regent is alleged to have told his subordinates to let Yamin’s company win the tender process for both projects.
“Yamin allegedly gave around Rp 460 million to Murni between April and June this year as fees for the bridge project,” Basaria said. “Meanwhile, we also suspect Yamin of giving bribes amounting to Rp 315 million for the mosque construction to other officials in South Solok administration.”
She added that the regent had handed over to the antigraft body around Rp 440 million of the money.
