KPK Receives Report from NTB Residents on Alleged Corruption in Resettlement Programme

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has received a report of alleged corruption filed by residents affected by the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) project in Central Lombok, concerning the resettlement programme. “KPK appreciates every report and complaint submitted by the public. We view active public participation as a crucial element in efforts to eradicate corruption, as it can serve as an initial source of information that helps KPK detect potential criminal acts of corruption,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when confirming the report on Monday (22/6). Budi explained that every report received by the KPK will be followed up through a review and verification process in accordance with its 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 submitted by the complainant, so that it can be determined whether the information has sufficient basis for further action. During this process, Budi stated that the KPK will also conduct an assessment to ensure whether the reported substance falls under the category of suspected corruption and whether its handling is within the KPK’s authority according to the prevailing laws and regulations. The follow-up to a report is not always carried out through a prosecution approach. It depends on the issues found and the existing factual conditions. The KPK can follow up on reports through various instruments at its disposal, whether through prosecution, prevention, or coordination and supervision with other law enforcement agencies or related institutions. “We also need to convey that the management of public complaint reports is conducted confidentially to maintain the integrity of the report handling process and to protect all parties involved,” said Budi. “As a form of accountability, the progress and results of the follow-up to the report can, in principle, only be conveyed to the complainant in accordance with its SOP,” he continued. The corruption report was filed by residents accompanied by their legal team from the NTB Legal Studies and Aid Institute (LSBH). A member of the legal team, Lalu Muh. Hasan Harry Sandy Ame, revealed the 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 for the loss of crops and property suffered by the residents. “Up until now, in the eighth year, this has still not been realised,” he said at the KPK office. He mentioned that PT ITDC also failed to carry out its obligations regarding the resettlement, which was later undertaken by the local government through the Housing and Settlement Agency or the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) of Central Lombok Regency. “Whereas PUPR itself, in carrying out this resettlement, actually received social assistance funds from the Social Agency for 120 affected families, amounting to Rp15 million per family. However, the residents were unaware that they were receiving these social assistance funds,” Hasan revealed. “But we managed to discover that bank accounts had been created for the residents, and when we requested a printout from the bank, it turned out the money had been withdrawn without the residents’ knowledge,” he added. Addressing this issue, Hasan disclosed that his team had also held an audience with the Central Lombok District Prosecutor’s Office. They requested accountability and clarification from both ITDC and the PUPR Agency. “But both were unable to answer whether the resettlement was carried out by ITDC. If it was, then we will demand the resettlement from ITDC,” he said. “Then, if it was not ITDC, what is the status of these houses if they were built by PUPR? However, neither could answer that and promised to provide further confirmation,” he continued. As of the writing of this report, there has been no response from the reported parties.