Olena Wibisana, Stefani Wijaya, Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named five suspects in an investigation into alleged misuse of emergency disaster relief funds at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), including the younger brother of the agency's chief, Suharyanto.

The announcement on Wednesday came a day after KPK investigators detained 14 people and searched several locations across Greater Jakarta in connection with suspected corruption involving disaster-related procurement.

KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto said five of those detained had been formally designated as suspects and transferred to the commission's detention facility for further investigation. The remaining nine were released after questioning.

"Five people have been named suspects and placed in KPK detention facilities for further investigation by our investigators," Setyo told reporters in Yogyakarta, where he was attending a meeting with journalists.

According to information obtained about the case, the five suspects are Gabriel Purwaka Sigit, head of BNPB's Subdirectorate for Aid and Emergency Management; Bima Setyawan, the younger brother of BNPB chief Suharyanto; Richard Erlangga, an adviser to the BNPB chief; and two businesspeople identified as Gery Prasetiawan and Syifa Nrika Ghifarian.

The KPK has not provided a detailed account of the alleged roles of each suspect.

Emergency disaster funds under investigation

Setyo said preliminary findings indicated possible abuse of authority in the management and disbursement of emergency disaster relief funds, allegedly involving several private-sector suppliers or contractors.

"Investigators have found indications of collusion in the distribution of funds, with some of the money allegedly misused by certain individuals for their personal benefit," Setyo said.

The commission suspects that the irregularities may have continued for several years, although investigators are still working to establish the precise period and the extent of the alleged misconduct.

Emergency disaster funds are intended to finance urgent procurement of goods and services during disaster response operations, when authorities must act quickly to meet immediate needs.

The investigation is examining whether weaknesses in the allocation and procurement processes allowed funds intended for emergency assistance to be diverted for private gain.

The KPK has not yet disclosed the total value of the funds allegedly misappropriated or identified the specific disaster response projects involved.

Cash, gold and cryptocurrency seized

During Tuesday's operations, investigators seized approximately Rp 3.3 billion ($183,258) in cash, along with gold and cryptocurrency assets.

The KPK is coordinating with relevant authorities to determine the origin and ownership of the cryptocurrency.

Investigators have not disclosed the quantity or value of the gold or cryptocurrency, or established publicly whether the seized assets are directly linked to the alleged diversion of disaster relief funds.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/kpk-names-disaster-agency-chiefs-brother-in-corruption-prob