KPK Searches Official Residence of Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo

Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo was said to be in Rome, Italy, to take part in FAO activities when his official residence was searched by the KPK, Thursday (28/9/2023).

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in KPK Geledah Rumah Dinas Menteri Pertanian Syahrul Yasin Limpo

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) handed a piece of paper to the security guard at the official residence of Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo on Widya Chandra V Street, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (28/9/2023). The KPK conducted a search of the house.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Corruption Eradication Commission or KPK searched the official residence of the Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo on Jalan Widya Chandra V, Jakarta, Thursday (28/9/2023). The exact purpose of the search is not yet known, but since early 2023, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has been investigating allegations of corruption within the Ministry of Agriculture.

From observations at the location at 20:21, several cars were seen parked in the courtyard of the official residence of Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo. The gate leading to the house was tightly closed and no one was allowed to enter the vicinity of the political party member's official residence. Two armed police officers were guarding the official residence from within.

From the front gate, three officials wearing vests with KPK written on the back were seen in the house's yard. They were collecting various items and documents that would be put into a parked car in the yard. These KPK officials were known to be at the Minister of Agriculture's official residence since 5 PM.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Two police officers stood guard near the gate of the official residence of Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo on Widya Chandra V Street in Central Jakarta on Thursday (28/9/2023).

Head of the KPK Public Relations Division, Ali Fikri, has yet to respond when asked whether the search operation is related to the KPK’s investigation into alleged corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture, which has been upgraded to an investigation stage. Ali only confirmed that the KPK team was currently at the Minister of Agriculture’s official residence. "It is true that the KPK team is conducting activities there," said Ali Fikri.

As of 21.00, there was no information regarding a number of pieces of evidence that had been collected and confiscated by the KPK team. Kompas tried to confirm this with the Director of Investigation and Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the Corruption Eradication Committee, Asep Guntur Rahayu, but he has not responded.

Since the beginning of 2023, KPK has been investigating alleged corruption within the Ministry of Agriculture. KPK has requested statements from dozens of individuals, both staff and officials, within the Ministry of Agriculture. The investigation is being conducted as a follow-up to public reports.

Currently, Syahrul Yasin Limpo is in Rome, Italy, to participate in a series of activities organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) also questioned Syahrul on Monday (19/6/2023). Following the investigation, Syahrul admitted to being questioned about allegations of corruption. However, he refused to explain further on the case. He only mentioned that the investigation being conducted by KPK is to look for events suspected of being criminal acts.

Former Governor of South Sulawesi also requested all parties to respect the ongoing process at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). "I think what has been done by the KPK is in accordance with the procedure. I have said everything, I have explained it to the KPK. I will remain compromising and cooperative. Whenever needed, I will surely be present," he said at that time.

Not in place

Confirmed separately, General Secretary of the Nasdem Party, Hermawi Taslim, revealed that Syahrul Yasin Limpo is currently in Rome, Italy, to participate in a series of activities organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Thus, Syahrul is not aware of the KPK's search.

Also read: Fulfilling the Corruption Eradication Committee's Call, Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo Promises to Cooperative

KOMPAS

Syahrul Yasin Limpo complies with KPK summons, Monday (19/6/2023).

Despite this, Nasdem accepts the steps taken by the KPK as long as the search is part of a pure legal process. "Although the search leaves questions for us. Why does it have to be a public holiday and the parties being searched are carrying out official state duties," he said.