Yustinus Paat, Yogyakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained 14 people, including a senior official at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), in a series of operations linked to suspected procurement corruption, the antigraft agency said Tuesday.

Investigators also seized approximately Rp 1.4 billion ($83,000) in cash and gold bars during the operations, although the KPK has not disclosed the quantity or value of the gold.

KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said the investigation remained ongoing and that no suspects had been formally named.

"The KPK team secured evidence in the form of cash and gold bars. Based on the team's preliminary count, the cash seized amounted to approximately Rp 1.4 billion," Budi told reporters in Yogyakarta.

Among those detained was BNPB Principal Secretary Rustian, one of the agency's most senior officials.

Budi said the 14 individuals were taken into custody during coordinated operations across Greater Jakarta. They included BNPB officials and representatives of private companies.

"In this operation, the KPK detained 14 people, including the BNPB principal secretary and several others, some of whom are from the private sector," he said.

All 14 were being questioned at the KPK's headquarters in Jakarta as investigators sought to establish their possible involvement in the case.

"The investigation concerns suspected corruption in the procurement of goods and services at BNPB," Budi said.

He declined to provide further details about the contracts or projects under investigation, the alleged irregularities, or the circumstances surrounding the seizure of the cash and gold.

The KPK has also not disclosed whether the confiscated assets are suspected proceeds of corruption or evidence connected to the procurement investigation.

No formal charges had been announced as of Tuesday, and the agency said the investigation was continuing.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/kpk-detains-14-seizes-cash-and-gold-in-disaster-agency-corruption-prob