Lawyer addresses Chairman Japto's questioning in corruption probe

Achmad Cholidin, the lawyer for Japto Soerjosoemarno, Chairman of Pemuda Pancasila (PP), has spoken out following his client's examination by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The questioning relates to a corruption case involving former Kutai Kartanegara Regent Rita Widyasari and three coal companies recently designated as suspects.

“

Regarding Pak Japto's relationship, PT ABP has a cooperation agreement in the fields of security, social conflict, and community relations with PT PAP (Pratama Andasan Persada), where Pak Japto serves as Chief Commissioner at PT PAP.

One of the implicated companies is PT Alamjaya Barapratama (ABP), which has a business cooperation agreement concerning security, social conflict resolution, and community relations with PT Pratama Andasan Persada (PAP). Japto Soerjosoemarno holds the position of Commissioner Utama (Chief Commissioner) at PT PAP. Cholidin confirmed that the KPK investigators inquired about assets allegedly sourced from corruption proceeds seized by the commission, specifically focusing on the origin of vehicles and funds.

“

The questions asked to Pak Japto were related to clarifying the origin of the cars and money that have been seized by the KPK.

Cholidin emphasized that Japto's involvement was limited to PT ABP, which has been named a corporate suspect. He asserted that Japto was unaware of any connection between the seized assets and the alleged corruption. "He did not know that the seized assets were related to the alleged corruption case because the contract was handled by the director of PT PAP with the director of PT ABP, and PT PAP operates professionally," Cholidin stated.

“

He did not know that the seized assets were related to the alleged corruption case because the contract was handled by the director of PT PAP with the director of PT ABP, and PT PAP operates professionally.

The KPK has alleged that Japto controls several assets suspected to be proceeds from the corruption involving Rita Widyasari and the three corporations. These allegations were investigated through Japto's examination on Tuesday, June 30. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed that the seizure of assets, including Rp56 billion in rupiah and foreign currency, 11 vehicles, and electronic evidence, is intended not only for proving the case but also for early asset recovery. The assets are believed to be connected to coal business operations in Kutai Kartanegara.

“

There is an allegation that assets in the possession of JPT [Japto] which were subsequently seized are related to alleged gratification received by the suspects.