KPK Investigates Coal Gratification Linked to Rita Widyasari, Questions Lawmaker Nabil Husein
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating coal management and alleged gratification received by former Kutai Kartanegara Regent Rita Widyasari. The inquiry took place on Tuesday (23/6) during the examination of Nabil Husein Said Amin Al Rasydi, a member of House of Representatives Commission III from the NasDem faction.
The examination was held at the State Treasury Service Office (KPPN) in Balikpapan. Nabil was questioned as a witness in his capacity as the owner of PT Nahusam Bermartabat Indonesia. KPK investigators also pursued similar lines of inquiry with five other witnesses.
These included Sukotjo, Head of the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD) of Kutai Kartanegara Regency; Sunggono, Regional Secretary of Kutai Kartanegara Regency; Mohd. Said Amin, a coal entrepreneur; Aulia Wirahman, a civil servant at BPKAD Kutai Kartanegara; and Cici Andini Balfas, a civil servant at the East Kalimantan Energy and Mineral Resources Agency.
“Witnesses 1, 5, 8, 10, 11, and 12 were present. In this session, investigators delved into the witnesses’ knowledge regarding coal management and the alleged receipt of payments per metric tonne of production by the suspect,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo in a written statement on Tuesday (23/6).
“Investigators also traced the flow of funds from these receipts,” he added.
Meanwhile, six other witnesses failed to attend the examination. They are Didi Marsono, President Director of PT Bara Kumala Sakti; private individuals Ibnu Adi, Haryanto, and Kusnadi; and homemakers Indah Nurgusrianty and Nyarmiatik. The KPK will reschedule their questioning.
Previously, on Wednesday (3/6), the KPK examined Rita Widyasari. That session coincided with the examination of businessman Robert Priantono B.
Rita is facing further legal action from the KPK for allegedly receiving gratuities related to coal mining, amounting to approximately US$3.3 to US$5 per metric tonne of coal. Rita is also suspected of concealing the receipt of these gratuities, leading the KPK to apply articles on money laundering.
Rita previously served time at Pondok Bambu Women’s Prison after being sentenced to 10 years by the Jakarta Corruption Court on 6 July 2018. She was found guilty of accepting gratuities totalling Rp110.7 billion and a bribe of Rp6 billion from permit applicants and project partners.
Furthermore, Rita has been mentioned in the case involving former KPK investigator AKP Stepanus Robin Pattuju, in which she remains a witness.
As the investigation has progressed, the KPK has also named three coal companies in Kutai Kartanegara as suspects in a related corruption case. The three companies, designated as suspects based on an investigation warrant issued in February, are PT Sinar Kumala Naga, PT Alamjaya Barapratama, and PT Bara Kumala Sakti.