Palembang, KOTABARI.COM – The South Sumatra Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati Sumsel) continues to take steps in handling the alleged corruption case related to the development of Cinde Market, which took place between 2016 and 2018. On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, the former Head of the Regional Revenue Agency of Palembang, identified as SR, underwent an interrogation by the prosecutors of the Special Crimes Department at Kejati Sumsel.
Vanny Yulia Eka Sari, the spokesperson for Kejati Sumsel, stated that the initial plan was to summon two witnesses for the interrogation regarding the Cinde Market corruption case. However, only one individual was able to attend the summons. The other person, who had valid reasons for absence, will be rescheduled for another round of questioning. Vanny also emphasized the importance of cooperation from the witnesses during the investigative process.
The interrogation of SR aims to gather information and statements as part of the investigation into the alleged corruption during the development of Cinde Market. This case has garnered attention since the inception of the investigation by Kejati Sumsel, with a total of 14 witnesses having been interrogated previously.
Among those questioned were former officials from various relevant institutions, including the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD) of South Sumatra, the National Land Agency (BPN) of Palembang, the Head of the Regional Housing and Settlement Agency (Perkim) of South Sumatra, the Head of the Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) of Palembang, and the Head of the Regional Tax Management Agency (BPPD) of Palembang.
The development project of Aldiron Plaza Cinde Market (APC), valued at Rp 330 billion, began in June 2018. However, due to various factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the project came to a halt and showed little progress. This situation has had serious consequences, particularly for the vendors who had invested money in purchasing units, kiosks, or stalls within the plaza.
The affected vendors have incurred significant losses, totaling around Rp 8.4 billion. They have taken legal action by sending letters to various authorities, including the President of Indonesia, the Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the National Police Chief, and the Governor of South Sumatra, urging clarity and actions regarding the situation.
As of now, the development of Cinde Market or Aldiron Plaza remains at a standstill, and there is no clarity regarding the continuation of the project. The controversy surrounding the corruption scandal and the stagnation of the project remains a hot topic of discussion within the community. Kejati Sumsel continues its efforts to uncover facts related to the alleged corruption through the interrogation of witnesses connected to the case.