Former Indonesian Agriculture Minister's Wife Allegedly Received Monthly Allowance from Ministry Funds

Isnar Widodo, the former Head of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture's Household Subdivision, admitted during a trial that he was asked to prepare Rp. 30 million each month as an allowance for Ayun Sri Harahap, the wife of former Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo. According to Isnar's testimony, the request for the monthly money, ranging from Rp. 25 million to Rp. 30 million, had been ongoing from 2020 to 2021. The money was given in cash and the request was made by Panji Harjanto, an aide to Syahrul Yasin Limpo.

The testimony was given during the trial of an alleged extortion and gratification case involving defendants Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Muhammad Hatta, and Kasdi Subagyono. In addition to the monthly allowance, the Public Prosecutor revealed that Syahrul Yasin Limpo also used Ministry of Agriculture funds amounting to Rp215 million to pay his personal credit card bills. Isnar Widodo confirmed there was a request for the credit card bill payment made by Limpo's aide, Panji Harjanto.

Isnar Widodo and his colleagues were later removed from their positions at the Ministry due to their refusal to comply with Syahrul Yasin Limpo's requests for non-budgetary contributions. The credit card bill was eventually paid by the new official who replaced Isnar, even though Isnar himself did not have time to process the payment before his removal.

Why this matters: The allegations against the former Agriculture Minister and his wife involve the misuse of public funds for personal gain. This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government institutions to prevent corruption and maintain public trust.

The trial is ongoing and further testimony is expected to shed more light on the extent of the alleged misappropriation of Ministry funds. "The request for the monthly money had been ongoing from 2020 to 2021, and the money was given in cash," Isnar stated during his testimony. As the legal proceedings continue, the public awaits the outcome and any potential consequences for those involved in the alleged extortion and gratification case.

Key Takeaways

• Former Agriculture Minister's wife received Rp. 25-30 million monthly
• Minister used Rp. 215 million in ministry funds to pay personal credit card
• Officials who refused to comply were removed from their positions
• Allegations involve misuse of public funds for personal gain
• Trial ongoing to determine extent of alleged misappropriation of ministry funds