Muhammad Aulia, Jakarta – The legal team of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is preparing to press charges against the former Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL), the Ministry's Secretary-General Kasdi Subagyono, and Agricultural Machinery Director Muhammad Hatta. The trio is accused of engaging in extortion and accepting gratuities.
"The legal team alleges that, collectively, they were involved in extorting high-ranking officials in the Agriculture Ministry, with the acceptance of gratuities amounting to Rp 44.5 billion ($2.84 billion)," said KPK Spokesperson Ali Fikri on Tuesday.
"Full details will be revealed in the first trial, where the indictment will be read," he added.
According to Ali Fikri, the KPK legal team has already submitted the case files and indictments for the three defendants to the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court. The decision regarding their detention lies within the jurisdiction of the Corruption Court.
"The legal team is currently awaiting further information on the trial schedule," Ali Fikri said.
Syahrul is suspected of implementing a policy to collect funds from civil servants at the Ministry of Agriculture for personal and family interests.
Allegedly, SYL instructed Kasdi and Muhammad Hatta to gather money from officials within the ministry through various means, including cash payments, bank transfers, and the provision of goods or services.