KPK Investigates Alleged Gratification Received by Ministry of Transportation Officials

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating allegations that several officials from the Ministry of Transportation received gratifications related to the handling of corruption cases involving railway infrastructure construction and maintenance projects under the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA). The probe involves questioning two civil servants, Iman Sukandar and Benny Nurdin Yusuf, today at the KPK’s Merah Putih building. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated in a written release on Tuesday (26 May): ‘All witnesses attended, continuing yesterday’s testimonies. Investigators sought statements regarding alleged gratification received by Ministry of Transportation officials, including the Head of the Land Transport Management Agency.’ He added: ‘This investigation relates to Article 12B.’ Article 12B of the Anti-Corruption Law states that gratifications given to civil servants or state officials are considered bribes if connected to their duties and contrary to their obligations. If the value is Rp10 million or more, the recipient must prove it was not a bribe; for less than Rp10 million, prosecutors must prove it was a bribe. Penalties include life imprisonment or 4-20 years in jail and fines between Rp200 million and Rp1 billion. The KPK recently transferred the case file of suspect Sudewo (SDW), a former member of the Indonesian House of Representatives and ex-Regent of Pati. Sudewo is accused of extorting village officials and receiving fees related to railway projects under the Ministry of Transportation’s DJKA. He is set to face trial at the Corruption Crimes Court.