KPK to Investigate Mining Fund Flow in North Maluku

KPK signals to delve into the mining issue in North Maluku following the designation of top officials from the Harita Group as the suspect in the governor’s bribery case.

Stevi is known holding the position of Director of External Relations at PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk (TBP) and Commissioner at PT Gane Tambang Sentosa.

Harita Group is owned by Lim Hariyanto Wijaya Sarwono, who has been recognized as the 6th richest grandfather in Indonesia according to the Forbes Real Time Billionaires, with an estimated wealth of US$ 5 billion or approximately IDR 75 trillion.

Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba is suspected of using these funds for personal purposes, “accommodation (hotel) and health expenses (medical treatment),” said Alexander.

Meanwhile, Harita Group’s Corporate Secretary, Franssoka Sumarwi, claimed that they were concerned about Stevi as the company’s director being one of the suspects.

“The company is obedient and compliant with all legal regulations and will respect the ongoing legal process,” she continued.

“ST (Stevi Thomas) provided a sum of money to AGK through RI for the approval of the road construction passing through his company. The technical delivery of the money, both in cash and through a holding account, used the name of another individual or a private entity,” stated Alexander Marwata, Vice Chairman of KPK, in a press conference on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba is suspected of using these funds for personal purposes, “used for accommodation (hotel) and health expenses (medical treatment),” said Alexander.

KPK also signaled that it would further investigate this case, including the flow of funds from the mining sector.

“It is not impossible that later, North Maluku is known for its nickel mines, surely there is information that is still being investigated,” said Alexander.

Abdul Gani Kasuba (AGK), Head of Settlement and Housing Agency (Disperkim) Adnan Mahmud (AM), Head of PUPR Daut Ismail, Head of BPPBJ Malut Ridwan Arsad, Governor’s Aide Ramadhan Ibrahim (RI), and private individuals Stevi Thomas (ST) and Kristian Wuisan are suspects in this case.

Meanwhile, Harita Group’s Corporate Secretary, Franssoka Sumarwi, claimed that they were concerned about Stevi being designated as a suspect as the company’s director.

“The company is obedient and compliant with all applicable legal regulations, and the company will respect the ongoing legal process,” she continued.

Harita Group stated that it remains fully committed to cooperating in the ongoing investigation process and hopes that this issue will be resolved properly.

“We also convey that the legal case currently occurring does not have a significant impact on the Company’s activities, both operationally and financially. The company will continue to implement all programs and strategies according to the targets,” said Franssoka.

The Mining Advocacy Network (JATAM) considers the alleged bribery case of Stevi Thomas to AGK as indicative of transactional management practices in North Maluku’s mining.

“Local political elites and mining entrepreneurs collude, exploiting the wealth of mines for personal and group interests,” said Muh Jamil, Head of JATAM’s Legal Division, to Cermat on Friday, December 22, 2023.

JATAM sees that the legal process against AGK and others should not only focus on corruption in job auctions and procurement projects but should also address corrupt practices in the mining sector that have long gone unenforced.

“Corruption practices in the mining sector are suspected not only to be related between AGK and Harita’s top officials but also with other mining companies whose permits were issued during AGK’s tenure as governor,” said Jamil.

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Penulis: Rian Hidayat dan Muhammad Ilaham Yahya
Trasleter: Aty