REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian Military Commander General Gatot Nurmantyo has announced three suspects related to corruption on AgustaWestland (AW) 101 helicopters procurement, which has resulted in state losses of about Rp220 billion.
"According to the investigation of the Military Police (MP), they have sufficient evidence and will raise the status of the investigation after specifying three suspects," Gatot said during a press conference held at the KPK Office on Friday.
The press conference was held, along with Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto and the Chairman of Corruption Eradication Commission, Agus Rahardjo.
The three suspects are the First Marshall "FA" who is currently serving as the Deputy Governor of Air Force Academy, Lieutenant Colonel "BW" is a Finance Administration Officer, and the Second Lieutenant Assistant SS is the officer accused of distributing cash among several related parties.
MP and KPK had previously interrogated six military persons and seven civilians as witnesses in the case.
Meanwhile, MP has also frozen the bank account of PT Diratama Jaya Mandiri, which acted as the military equipment supplier company.
"The investigation into corruption allegation of AgustaWestland (AW) 101 procurement, done by MP, KPK and the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center found that the potential state losses were pegged at Rp220 billion," Gatot said.
The accused were allegedly marking up the prices of AW-101 helicopters.
The total budget for the AW-101 helicopters procurement was noted at Rp738 billion.
Furthermore, KPK will investigate civilians parties related to the AW-101 corruption allegation.
Previously, President Joko Widodo had refused to use the new helicopter for VVIP necessity.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Air Force in 2016 said they will operate the helicopters for military needs, including for carrying troops and for Search and Rescue (SAR) teams.
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