The Head of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Firli Bahuri, is suspected of extorting former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL), who is currently embroiled in a corruption case within the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan).
This alleged extortion is currently being handled by the Jakarta Metro Police and has been elevated to the investigation stage.
"Based on public reports we received on August 12, 2023, it mentions an alleged act of corruption allegedly committed by a leader of the Corruption Eradication Commission," said the Director of Special Crimes at the Jakarta Metro Police, Senior Commissioner Ade Safri Simanjuntak, as reported by *Detik.com*, Sunday (8/10/2023).
"This will be the subject of the investigation that will be conducted by the investigative team of the Sub-Directorate for Special Economic Crimes of the Jakarta Metro Police's Directorate of Criminal Investigation to search for and find evidence," he continued.
Following the emergence of this alleged extortion, a photo circulated on social media showing Firli meeting SYL on a badminton court. This has drawn public attention because regulations prohibit the KPK Chairman from meeting with parties involved in a case.
In the photo, Firli is seen wearing sportswear, while SYL is wearing a batik shirt. Both are sitting on the edge of the court with a jar of boiled corn.
Responding to the photo, Firli claimed he did not invite Syahrul to the badminton court. Firli claims that the Nasdem Party politician took the initiative to meet him. He also stated that the meeting took place on March 2, 2022, when the KPK was not yet investigating the alleged corruption case at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Firli stated that the alleged corruption at the Ministry of Agriculture only escalated to the KPK investigation stage around January 2023. "Therefore, during that time, Mr. Syahrul Yasin Limpo's status was not a suspect, defendant, convict, or party involved in a case at the KPK," said Firli, as reported by *Kompas.com*, Tuesday (10/10/2023).
The former South Sumatra Police Chief also denied allegations that he extorted and received billions of rupiah from SYL. According to Firli, the allegations of extortion currently directed at the KPK leadership are a counterattack from corruptors.
"It is very possible that currently corruptors are uniting to launch an attack, what we know as 'when the corruptors strike back'," said Firli. He also emphasized that the KPK will uncover all corruption cases at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Firli's Wealth Increased by Rp4.6 Billion Since Taking Office
According to data from the State Officials' Wealth Report (LHKPN), Firli Bahuri's wealth has surged by approximately Rp4 billion in the past four years, since he took office as Chairman of the KPK in 2019.
At the beginning of his tenure, Firli reported assets totaling Rp18.22 billion in 2019. In subsequent years, Firli's wealth increased significantly, as shown in the graph above.
Most recently, Firli is recorded as having assets of Rp22.86 billion in 2022. He reported this amount on February 20, 2023.
The majority of Firli's assets in 2022 consisted of land and buildings, with a total value of Rp10.44 billion. These immovable assets are located in Bekasi and Bandar Lampung.
This former aide to Indonesian Vice President Boediono also owns several modes of transportation, such as a Honda Vario motorcycle, a Yamaha N-Max motorcycle, a Toyota Innova Venturer car, a Toyota Camry car, and a Toyota LC 200. The total value of these assets reaches Rp1.75 billion.
This retired three-star police general has cash and cash equivalents totaling Rp10.66 billion and is recorded as having no debt.