Former MPR Secretary General Ma'ruf Speaks After Questioning as KPK Suspect

Former Secretary General of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ma’ruf Cahyono has completed questioning as a suspect in an alleged gratuity case at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) office in Jakarta on Thursday evening (25/6). Ma’ruf arrived at the KPK’s Red and White Building at around 09.30 WIB and finished the examination at 19.53 WIB. When asked about the alleged criminal act, Ma’ruf said the matter had not yet been raised by investigators during today’s session. Ma’ruf explained that he was only questioned about the scope of his duties as MPR Secretary General. “I was only asked about my identity, as it’s the first time. So, I was just asked about my duties,” Ma’ruf said at the KPK office in Jakarta on Thursday evening. This is Ma’ruf’s first examination since the KPK named him a suspect on Thursday, 3 July 2025. He emphasised that he will be cooperative in following the ongoing legal process. “I will just wait and follow it. The main thing is that we comply,” he said. There has been no statement from the KPK regarding this examination. During the investigation process, the KPK has previously examined witnesses. Ma’ruf has also been subject to a travel ban preventing him from going abroad for six months, effective from 10 June 2025 to 10 December 2025. Meanwhile, KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that the examination is related to the procurement of several goods and services at the MPR Secretariat General. “Today’s examination is in the capacity of Mr MC as a suspect. This is still related to evidence that investigators have already obtained, to be confirmed again and strengthened with additional evidence, regarding the process and mechanism of the procurement of goods and services carried out at the MPR RI,” Budi said at his office in South Jakarta on Thursday evening. “Also related to the alleged receipt of money by Mr MC,” he continued. Budi then explained the reason why investigators have not yet detained Ma’ruf. “Of course, the investigation process and the collection of additional evidence are still needed, so that later it is truly firm and strong enough to proceed to phase 2, or transfer to prosecution,” he said. Regarding the legal process being handled by the KPK, the MPR has commented. MPR Secretary General Siti Fauziah claimed the case does not involve the leadership for either the 2019-2024 or 2024-2029 periods. Siti stated that the MPR respects the law enforcement process being carried out by the KPK. She added that the MPR as an institution remains committed to maintaining integrity and transparency in carrying out state duties. “The MPR RI respects the ongoing legal process and fully entrusts the KPK to follow up in accordance with its authority and applicable legal provisions,” Siti said in the middle of last year.