KPK Receives Report from NTB Residents on Alleged Corruption in Resettlement Programme
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has received a report regarding alleged corruption involving the resettlement programme for residents affected by the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) project in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
“The KPK appreciates every report and complaint submitted by the community. We view active public participation as a vital element in anti-corruption efforts, as it serves as an initial information source to help the KPK detect potential acts of corruption,” stated KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when confirmed regarding the report on Monday (22/6).
Budi explained that every report received by the KPK will be followed up through a process of review and verification in accordance with established mechanisms and business processes. This stage, he clarified, is necessary to test the validity of the information, the completeness of the data, and the relevance of the initial evidence provided by the reporter, to determine whether the information has sufficient grounds for further action.
During this process, Budi noted that the KPK will also conduct a review to ensure whether the substance of the report falls under the category of alleged corruption and whether its handling falls within the KPK’s authority according to applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, follow-up on a report is not always conducted through enforcement; it depends on the issues discovered and the factual conditions present. The KPK may follow up through various instruments, including enforcement, prevention, or coordination and supervision with law enforcement agencies or other relevant institutions.
“We must also convey that the management of public complaints is conducted privately to maintain the integrity of the reporting process and to protect all parties involved,” said Budi. “As a form of accountability, developments and results of the follow-up on such reports can, in principle, only be communicated to the reporter in accordance with the SOP.”
The corruption allegation was submitted by residents alongside a legal team from the West Nusa Tenggara Institute for Study and Legal Aid (LSBH NTB). A member of the legal team, Lalu Muh. Hasan Harry Sandy Ame, revealed alleged unlawful acts by PT InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).
Hasan stated that PT ITDC failed to fulfil its obligation to provide monthly compensation for 12 months regarding the loss of residents’ crops and property. “Up until this eighth year, it has not been realised,” he said at the KPK office.
He mentioned that PT ITDC also failed to carry out obligations related to resettlement, which has recently been undertaken by the local government through the Central Lombok Regency Department of Housing and Settlement or the Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR). “While the PUPR is conducting this resettlement, there is actually social assistance funding from the Social Services Department for 120 affected households, amounting to Rp15 million per household, but the residents are unaware that they have received this social assistance,” Hasan revealed.
“However, we managed to discover that accounts were created for the residents, and when we requested bank statements, it turned out that this money had been withdrawn without the residents’ knowledge,” he added.
Addressing the issue, Hasan expressed that his team has also held an audience with the Central Lombok District Attorney’s Office. They have requested accountability and clarification from both ITDC and the PUPR Department. “Both parties were unable to answer whether this resettlement is being conducted by ITDC; therefore, we will hold ITDC accountable for this resettlement. Furthermore, if it is not ITDC, then what is the status of these houses if they are being handled by PUPR? However, both were unable to provide an answer and promised to confirm further,” Hasan continued.
As of the time of publication, there has been no response from the reported parties.