Indonesia: KPK hints at crime behind major flooding in Southeast Sulawesi

Antara 25 Jun 19;

Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Laode M. Syarif, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy chairman, sought to conduct an evaluation over possible crime behind the flooding that wrecked parts of Southeast Sulawesi Province.

"Lately, the public has shown interest in speaking about alleged crime pertaining to the mining sector since flooding occurred in mining areas with abundant natural resources, notably in North Konawe, Konawe, and South Konawe," he stated here on Tuesday.

However, that crime could not be termed as a corruption crime as assumed by several people, he noted.

Syarif, an environmental law expert, pointed out that it was no easy task to prove that corruption had occurred, as strong evidence is required.

Environmental and mining law violations might have also occurred, and the perpetrators could face sanctions, he stated.

Syarif emphasized that environmental and mining institutions must assess whether investors engaged in mining, plantation, and forest concessionary businesses have abided by or violated existing laws.

"On the whole, several aspects should draw the attention of regional and central governments, law enforcers, as well as those who care for environmental preservation since it can impact the survival of several people," he stated.

The KPK has named the district head of North Konawe, AS, 68, as a suspect in a corruption case for misusing his authority to issue mining business permits that resulted in the state incurring losses reaching trillions of rupiah.

EDITED BY INE

Reporter: Sarjono, Fardah
Editor: Suharto