Why do we need (the storage)? (It is) because if we do not have a storage facility for confiscated goods, then the selling price of the goods will depreciateJakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) inaugurated a storage facility for goods confiscated in corruption cases (Rubpasan) in Cawang, East Jakarta, on Wednesday.
While presenting remarks during the storage facility inauguration ceremony, KPK Chairperson Firli Bahuri stated that the plan to develop the storage facility had begun in 2020 on account of the commission's need to preserve confiscated goods in proper condition.
"Why do we need (the storage)? (It is) because if we do not have a storage facility for confiscated goods, then the selling price of the goods will depreciate," he stated.
Bahuri emphasized that in line with the national middle-term development plan (RPJMN), the KPK must rev up its asset recovery efforts and contribute more to non-tax state revenue, including through auctions of confiscated goods.
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He revealed that the new KPK storage facility is constructed on a plot of land spanning five thousand square meters.
"The land we use (for the storage facility) is approximately five thousand square meters. It originated from the usage status designation of (the asset) confiscated from late corruption convict Fuad Amin (former Bangkalan District Head) in 2018 when I was KPK's deputy for prosecution. We maintain the land to ensure it is ready when we need it," Bahuri remarked.
The KPK chairperson then expressed gratitude to Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) that in 2021, passed the Rp100-billion budget required to develop the building following earlier approval in 2020.
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"In 2020, (the DPR RI) has agreed on the construction budget, but owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to delay the construction. The KPK is sensitive to national issues that we face, and the KPK budget was cut five times in 2020 to enhance COVID-19 handling efforts," he noted.
Despite the Rp100-billion budget passed by DPR RI and the initial development plan estimating the construction needed a budget of Rp78 billion, the KPK RI successfully lowered the development budget to only Rp65 billion, he stated.
"Hence, if other institutions want to develop the project, they can consult with the KPK on the budget planning, approval, implementation, and monitoring evaluation. That will be one way to eradicate corruption," Bahuri remarked.
The storage will be used to store pieces of evidence and archives of corruption cases, he remarked, adding that the storage is expected to accommodate up to 180 small vehicles, 12 large vehicles, 120 motorcycles, and other confiscated goods.
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Translator: Benardy F, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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