Pali, KOTABARI.COM – The District Attorney’s Office (Kejari) Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI), South Sumatra, has detained two former Acting Heads of the Health Department for creating fictitious Accountability Letters (SPJ) related to Health Operational Assistance (BOK), resulting in state losses amounting to Rp 410 million.
The two detained Plt Kadinkes PALI officials are MD, who served as the Acting Head of the Health Department from January to November 2021, and ZA, who held the position from November 2021 until now. The Head of Kejari PALI, Agung Arifianto, stated that prior to their arrest, the office had examined 48 witnesses before designating them as suspects.
Moreover, the investigators had to scrutinize 28 containers of BOK SPJ documents, which prolonged the process of identifying the involvement of the two officials. Agung explained, “The documents were examined one by one. After a thorough investigation, it was revealed that they were involved as the recipients of the Budget User Authority (KPA) and were aware of and approved the disbursement of the BOK funds,” as reported by Kompas.com on Monday (July 17, 2023).
Agung clarified that the two individuals are currently being held at Muara Enim Penitentiary, awaiting their trial schedule. Once the case files are complete, the investigators will transfer them to court for further proceedings.
He added, “There is a possibility of new suspects, and we are still developing the investigation.” In this case, the investigators have already received a reimbursement of Rp 230 million as a repayment of the state losses. The funds will be returned to the state after the trial process is completed.
“We also hope to recover the remaining shortfall from the state losses,” he stated. Both individuals are charged under Article 2 and 3 of the Anti-Corruption Law, which carry a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
This case highlights the commitment of the authorities and law enforcement agencies in combating corruption and upholding justice in Indonesia.