17-7-2024 (JAKARTA) The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has apprehended Muhaimin Syarif, the head of the Gerindra Party’s North Maluku branch, in connection with a corruption case implicating former North Maluku Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba. The KPK alleges that Syarif, also known as Ucu, provided a staggering 7 billion rupiah (approximately $435,000) to Kasuba to facilitate permit processing within the North Maluku provincial government.
KPK Investigation Director Asep Guntur Rahayu revealed during a press conference at the KPK headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday, 17 July 2024, that the illicit payments were made through various channels. “The funds were transferred from suspect Muhaimin Syarif to Abdul Gani Kasuba, who was serving as North Maluku Governor at the time, both in cash directly and through his aides,” Rahayu stated. He further explained that some payments were also made via bank transfers to accounts belonging to Kasuba’s family members.
The alleged bribery was reportedly linked to several government activities, including projects under the North Maluku Public Works and Housing Office, the processing of Production Operation Mining Business Permits (IUP), and the proposal for establishing Mining Business License Areas (WIUP) to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Rahayu elaborated that Kasuba, in his capacity as governor, had signed proposals for 37 companies across six blocks to be designated as Mining Business License Areas. “In 2023, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia approved six blocks as Mining Business License Areas. These include the KAF Block, FOLI Block, MARIMOI 1 Block, PUMLANGA Block, LILIEF SAWAI Block, and WAILUKUM Block,” he explained.
As a result of these allegations, Muhaimin Syarif now faces charges under Article 5, paragraph (1), letter a or b, or Article 13 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001. These charges are in conjunction with Article 65, paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.
