The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provincial Higher Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati) saved the state potential losses of Rp17.3 billion from an alleged corruption scheme involving a cooperation agreement on the use of a Kupang District Government’s asset. “Through a long investigation process, the NTT Provincial Kejati has succeeded in saving Rp17.3 billion of the state’s funds from PT Nusa Investasi Mandiri, who used the property,” said Yulianto, Head of the NTT Provincial Kejati, on Thursday.

He added the state’s loss was the difference in the rental costs of the asset, which was used as a supermarket for 30 years.

“The difference in rental costs should belong to the Kupang District Government,” he stressed, while accompanied by the Head of Kupang District, Korinus Masneno.

The handling of corruption case by the prosecutor’s office was more focused on the attempt to recover the state’s losses and not on the number of cases and suspects caught, he further added.

According to the head of the higher prosecutor’s office, the stolen Rp17.3 billion should have been used for the economic development of the local community.

“Previously, we had mediated between the two parties and encouraged investor to return the cost difference. The attempt was successful as the investor returned the fund,” he explained.

However, he stressed the investigation will still be continued by the NTT Provincial Kejati.

“Next week, the NTT Provincial Kejati will decide whether the investigation will continue or not. More than 30 people have been questioned by our officers to date. However, no suspects have been identified,” he added.

Source: Antara News