Two Named as Suspects in Rp26 Billion RRI Transmitter Procurement Case, Face Multiple Charges

The Depok District Prosecutor’s Office (Kejari Kota Depok) in West Java has officially named two individuals as suspects in an alleged corruption case concerning the procurement of a rotable log periodic antenna for overseas broadcasting at the Central Office of the Public Broadcasting Institution Radio Republik Indonesia (KPLPP-RRI) in Sukmajaya District, Depok City, valued at Rp26.39 billion in the 2021 fiscal year.

The two suspects are an individual with the initials W, who served as Head of the New Technical Media for Overseas Broadcasting Division (Kabid TMBSLN) at RRI as well as the Commitment Making Officer (PPK), and M, the Director of PT Cantika Putri Mandiri (CPM), which acted as the goods and services provider.

The legal status of the two suspects was announced directly by the Head of the Special Crimes Section (Kasi Pidsus) of the Depok District Prosecutor’s Office, M Ihsan Pasamula, as quoted on Thursday (23 July).

Ihsan explained that the case originated in November 2021, when RRI’s Goods and Services Procurement Working Group (Pokja) carried out a direct appointment (PL) for the project, worth Rp26,397,800,000, to PT CPM. In fact, the company had previously been declared as failing to meet the qualification requirements.

“Nevertheless, the RRI official with the initials W insisted on appointing PT CPM as the goods and services provider in early November 2021,” said Ihsan.

Following the appointment, W and M signed a contract agreement on 10 November 2021, with a value of Rp26,397,800,000 and a completion deadline of 9 March 2022.

However, during its implementation, suspect W went ahead and disbursed 100 per cent of the project funds. In fact, based on findings in the field, the physical progress of the project by the end of December 2021 had only reached 1.79 per cent.

This misuse of state funds was subsequently investigated in a marathon effort by investigators from the Depok District Prosecutor’s Office. After securing at least two valid pieces of evidence, investigators officially named W and M as suspects on suspicion of mark-ups as well as indications of bribery or gratification.

For their actions, both suspects are accused of violating multiple articles of law.

Although they now hold suspect status, the prosecutor’s office has not yet placed either of them under physical detention.

“The legal status of the two suspects has so far not led to detention because they have been cooperative throughout the investigation,” said Ihsan.