Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating what it describes as a possible "shadow" network of intermediaries operating outside the formal structure of the Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ministry to facilitate land-related services in exchange for fees.
The suspected network came under scrutiny after KPK earlier this week named eight suspects in a bribery investigation involving property developer Summarecon Agung, senior land officials and four people described by investigators as trusted associates of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid.
KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said Wednesday that investigators had identified individuals who were not ministry employees but allegedly had access to the processing of land-related matters.
"We see what appears to be two organizational structures at the Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ministry: there is the official organizational structure, and there is also what looks like a shadow structure," Budi told reporters in Jakarta.
"Why do we say that? Because we see multiple layers, multiple circles outside the official structure."
Four suspects described as Minister's trusted associates
In the Summarecon case, four of the eight suspects – Arif Sugiyanto, Golkar Party politician Fahd El Fouz Arafiq, Erwin and Muhammad Fakhry – have been described by KPK as trusted associates of Nusron.
Investigators suspect the four acted as intermediaries and collected fees connected with the handling of land-related matters or public services within the ministry.
KPK has not accused Nusron of participating in the alleged bribery scheme.
Budi said investigators could question the minister if they determine that his testimony is needed as the investigation develops.
"We believe that, as a public official, he will comply with the law, including by appearing if summoned and providing information needed by investigators," Budi said.
As of Wednesday, KPK had not scheduled Nusron for questioning.
The minister had not publicly commented on the case since KPK announced the eight suspects on Tuesday.
Investigators are also examining the chain of command surrounding the alleged payments to determine whether other parties gave instructions connected with the suspected scheme.
KPK has further indicated that investigators are examining whether land-related practices uncovered in the case involved private companies other than Summarecon.
Rp 106.3 billion seized
KPK has seized cash and other evidence worth approximately Rp 106.3 billion ($6 million) in connection with the investigation.
The money, recovered in rupiah and several foreign currencies, was found at multiple locations during the operation.
Investigators have said they are still tracing the origins and intended use of the seized funds and have not concluded that all of the money constituted bribes or proceeds of corruption.
The investigation began with allegations surrounding the processing of building-use rights, or Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB), for Summarecon properties in Bogor Regency.
KPK has alleged that Rp 1.5 billion was ultimately provided in connection with efforts to unblock and process the company's land certificates after an initial demand of Rp 2 billion.
The eight suspects include Summarecon Agung President Director Adrianto Pitojo Adhi, Bogor Regency Land Office Head Sontang Coin Manurung and Land and Spatial Control and Enforcement Director General Lampri, along with the four alleged Nusron associates and businessman Rizal Pahlevi.