Langkat Regent Also Allegedly Received Rp 3.5 Billion in Gratification, Beyond Bribery
The KPK has disclosed that the Regent of Langkat, Syah Afandin (SAF), did not only receive bribes related to projects within the Langkat Regency Government environment, but is also suspected of receiving gratifications worth IDR 3.5 billion.
This was stated by the Acting Director of Investigation at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, during a press conference at the KPK Building, Jakarta, on Friday (3/7/202lar). Taufik explained that one of the allegations involves gratifications related to the filling of official positions.
“The KPK has also found allegations of other receipts or gratifications by SAF totalling at least IDR 3.5 billion, including those allegedly related to mutations and the filling of positions within the Education Office and Sub-district Heads (Camat) in Langkat Regency,” said Taufik.
In addition to positions within the Regency Government, the alleged gratifications also pertain to the appointment of primary and junior high school principals. The KPK stated that Syah engaged in the trading of school principal positions.
“When the position of school principal is traded, it is not only the governance of the government that is at stake, but also the future of children’s education,” Taufik remarked.
Furthermore, Syah is also accused of ‘manipulating’ the procurement of primary school uniforms. The KPK noted that school procurement was also subject to corruption.
“At a time when many students need school uniforms, the procurement process has instead become a niche for corruption,” said Taufik.
Regarding the bribery case, the KPK has named two suspects:
The Regent of Langkat, Syah Afandin (SAF)
SAF’s 2024 Regional Election campaign team member, Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif (YQB).
Syah was caught in a KPK sting operation (OTT) alongside six others. During the operation, the KPK seized several pieces of evidence.
“Approximately 55 platinum metal pieces with a total weight of about 55kg were found in SAF’s car,” Taufik stated.
Taufik noted that experts will be brought in to verify the authenticity of this evidence. Additionally, IDR 100 million in cash was also seized.
“Cash amounting to IDR 100 million was seized from Syah Afandin. Foreign currency cash totalling the equivalent of IDR 1.22 billion was also recovered, consisting of SGD 66,950, RM 11,518, and IDR 244.7 million,” he added.