Indonesian Agriculture Ministry Cracks Down on Corruption

Staff Terminated for Extortion and Impersonation

The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture has taken decisive action against corruption by terminating a staff member involved in extorting farmers during agricultural equipment procurement. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman confirmed the termination during a press conference at the ministry's headquarters in Jakarta.

Extortion Scheme Uncovered Through Complaint Channel

The extortion scheme was discovered through the ministry's dedicated complaint channel, 'Lapor Pak Amran'. The staff member, who worked under the Directorate of Food Crops, impersonated a Director General to gain credibility with farmers. The illegal levies ranged from Rp 50 million to Rp 100 million per agricultural equipment unit, with one instance reaching Rp 600 million.

Minister's Statement on Zero Tolerance

Minister Sulaiman emphasized that the ministry maintains zero tolerance for corruption. 'There is no compromise for such criminal acts,' he stated during the press conference. The minister revealed that the staff member admitted to the wrongdoing, attributing it to a moment of 'khilaf' or error.

Impact on Agricultural Support Programs

The extortion scheme targeted farmers receiving government assistance for agricultural machinery. The ministry provides these tools free of charge to support agricultural development. The illegal activities not only undermined the program's integrity but also placed an undue financial burden on farmers.

Legal Implications and Future Measures

The case highlights potential criminal elements within government institutions. Minister Sulaiman confirmed that the matter constitutes a criminal offense and will be handled accordingly. The ministry is likely to implement additional oversight measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.