Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating allegations that about Rp 3 billion ($180,000) was paid to interfere with its probe into the misuse of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK), officials said.

KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said investigators are examining claims that the money was handed over by suspect Satori to a legislator from the NasDem Party, identified as Rajiv, who allegedly promised to halt the investigation into the CSR case.

"This matter is still being examined by investigators," Budi told reporters on Wednesday.

As part of the inquiry, KPK questioned Rajiv in Cirebon, West Java, on Oct. 30, an unusual venue for examinations that are typically held at the agency's headquarters in South Jakarta. Budi said the location was chosen for efficiency, as investigators were already in the area questioning other witnesses.

Rajiv was questioned in his capacity as a private individual, Budi said, with investigators focusing on his links to the suspects and his knowledge of BI's social programs.

"Investigators are probing Rajiv's acquaintance with the suspects and what he knew about Bank Indonesia's social programs," Budi said.

If substantiated, the alleged payment would add a new dimension to the case, potentially opening the door for charges beyond gratuities and money laundering. KPK has signaled it could pursue bribery or obstruction of justice charges if evidence shows efforts were made to derail the investigation.

The CSR case has already ensnared two former members of the House of Representatives' powerful Commission XI, which oversees financial and banking affairs. Satori and Heri Gunawan, both lawmakers during the 2019-2024 term, have been named suspects for allegedly misusing CSR funds disbursed by Bank Indonesia and the Financial Services Authority. Both have also been charged under Indonesia's anti – money laundering statute.

KPK has accused the two of receiving a combined Rp 28.38 billion in illicit benefits from the CSR programs. Heri Gunawan allegedly received Rp 15.8 billion, which investigators say was used for personal expenses including home construction, beverage outlets, land purchases and vehicles. Satori is accused of receiving Rp 12.52 billion, which was allegedly used for bank deposits, land purchases, a showroom project and vehicles.

The investigation could widen further. KPK Deputy Chairman Johanis Tanak has warned that all members of Commission XI during the 2019-2024 term who received funds linked to BI and OJK CSR programs could be held legally accountable.

"All members of Commission XI who received funds from BI and OJK must be held responsible under the law, just like the two lawmakers who have already been named suspects," Tanak said in a text message to reporters earlier this month.

Budi said investigators are continuing to trace possible involvement by other parties, including officials at BI and OJK, as well as additional lawmakers from Commission XI. The probe is examining whether the CSR programs were planned and executed properly, whether budgets were drawn up accurately, and whether oversight mechanisms were in place.

"Investigators are assessing how the programs were planned, whether the budgets were properly prepared, how implementation was monitored, and whether accountability requirements were met," Budi said, adding that scrutiny extends to both BI and OJK as the owners of the CSR budgets.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/kpk-investigates-alleged-bribe-to-halt-bank-indonesia-csr-prob