Former Indonesian Agriculture Ministry Official Admits Preparing Monthly Allowance for Minister's Wife

Isnar Widodo, the former Head of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture's Household Subdivision, testified that he was instructed to prepare a monthly allowance of Rp. 30 million (approximately $2,000) for Ayun Sri Harahap, the wife of former Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo. Widodo made this admission during the ongoing trial of an alleged extortion and gratification case involving Limpo and two other defendants, Muhammad Hatta and Kasdi Subagyono.

According to Widodo's testimony, Panji Harjanto, an aide to Limpo, requested him to arrange the monthly funds for Harahap. This practice allegedly occurred from 2020 to 2021, with the cash amounts ranging from Rp. 25 million to Rp. 30 million. Widodo stated that he personally handed over the money to Harahap each month during this period.

Why this matters: The allegations against a former high-ranking government official and his wife raise concerns about potential corruption and misuse of public funds within the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for government accountability and efforts to combat graft in Indonesia.

The trial is still underway, and prosecutors are presenting evidence and witness testimonies to support the charges against Limpo, Hatta, and Subagyono. Limpo served as Indonesia's Agriculture Minister from 2019 to 2021 under President Joko Widodo's administration. The case has attracted significant public attention due to the involvement of a former cabinet member and the serious nature of the allegations.

Key Takeaways

• Former agriculture official Isnar Widodo testified to providing Rp. 30M monthly to minister's wife.
• Payments were allegedly arranged by Limpo's aide Panji Harjanto from 2020-2021.
• Allegations raise concerns about corruption and misuse of public funds in the ministry.
• Limpo, Hatta, and Subagyono are on trial for extortion and gratification charges.
• Outcome could impact government accountability and anti-corruption efforts in Indonesia.