PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The Corruption Eradication Commission (CEC) takes decisive action against corruption by seizing assets believed to belong to the non-active Regent of Labuhanbatu, Erik A Ritonga (EAR). The CEC has sealed a palm oil mill and a luxurious house, with the mill located in Kelurahan Janji, Subdistrict of Bilah Barat, Regency of Labuhanbatu, estimated to be worth Rp 15 billion.
According to Ali Fikri, Head of Information at the CEC, the mill will undergo operational testing. It is suspected that the mill was constructed using funds obtained through bribery orchestrated by EAR and his associates.
“Seal ropes have been put in place to ensure that the status of the assets prevents any party from claiming them. Every witness will be analyzed and confirmed for the next steps,” Ali stated, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com via inews.id on Thursday (2/5/2024).
Also Read:
- SPKS Advocates for the Supervision of Palm Cooking Oil DMO to Protect the Welfare of Smallholders
- European Union’s Intensified SAF Regulation:Excludes Palm Oil and Soyoil
- SPKS Calls for Support from Elected President and Vice President for Sustainable Smallholders
- Insights into April 2024: Palm Oil Price Trends and Market Dynamics
- Shifting the Narrative on Palm Oil and Deforestation: Insights from ‘Not the End of the World’
In addition to the mill, the CEC has also sealed a luxurious house in the City of Medan, North Sumatra Province, believed to have been acquired through bribery by the regent. Ali Fikri estimated the value of the house to be approximately Rp 5.5 billion.
These seals are part of the CEC’s efforts to combat corruption and uphold the law. The CEC advises that the sealed assets should not be misused during the investigation process and stresses that the seals are in place to prevent claims from other parties. (T2)
