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

The former Secretary-General of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Ma’ruf Cahyono, completed his interrogation as a suspect in an alleged gratification case at the KPK Office in Jakarta on Thursday night (25/06).

Ma’ruf arrived at the KPK’s Red and White Building at approximately 09:30 WIB and concluded his questioning at 19:53 WIB. When asked about the specific details of the alleged criminal act, Ma’ruf stated that investigators had not yet questioned him on that matter during today’s session.

Ma’ruf explained that the interrogation focused on the scope of his duties as the Secretary-General of the MPR. “They only asked for my identity, as this is the first time. So, they were just asking about my duties,” Ma’ruf said at the KPK office in Jakarta on Thursday night.

This marks Ma’ruf’s first interrogation since the KPK announced his status as a suspect on Thursday, 3 July 2025. He emphasised that he would remain cooperative with the ongoing legal process. “I will wait and just follow the process. We will simply comply,” he said.

There has been no official statement from the KPK regarding this specific interrogation. However, during the investigation, the KPK has previously questioned several witnesses. Ma’ruf has also been subject to a six-month travel ban to foreign countries, effective from 10 June 2025 to 10 December 2025.

Meanwhile, KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that the investigation pertains to the procurement of various goods and services within the MPR Secretariat-General. “Today’s examination is in the capacity of Mr MC as a suspect. This is related to evidence already obtained by investigators, which needs to be confirmed and strengthened with additional evidence regarding the procurement mechanism of goods and services conducted at the MPR RI,” Budi stated at his office in South Jakarta on Thursday night.

He added that the case also involves the alleged receipt of funds by Mr MC. Budi further explained the reason why investigators have not yet detained Ma’ruf, noting that further investigative processes and the collection of additional evidence are required to ensure a strong case before proceeding to the second stage or transferring the case to the prosecution.

Regarding the legal proceedings being handled by the KPK, the MPR has issued a comment. The Secretary-General of the MPR, Siti Fauziah, claimed that 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 conducted by the KPK.

She added that, as an institution, the MPR remains committed to maintaining integrity and transparency in performing its state duties. “The MPR RI respects the ongoing legal process and leaves it entirely to the KPK to follow up in accordance with its authority and applicable legal provisions,” Siti said mid-last year.