JAKARTADAILY.ID – The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) has recently faced a harsh reality as corruption cases within its ranks have come to light, revealing the misuse of funds intended for the welfare of soldiers and their families.
These cases have had a significant impact on the morale of the soldiers and their ability to carry out their duties effectively. The trials related to these corruption cases have concluded, and the perpetrators have been handed severe punishments.
The two corruption cases revolved around irregularities in the utilization of Army Compulsory Housing Savings (TWP AD) funds. A joint team of prosecutors from the Attorney General's Office and the Military Auditor worked together to bring these cases to trial at the Military Court. Given the involvement of both military and civilian individuals, the cases were treated in a connected manner.
In the first case, which resulted in a loss value of Rp 127 billion, two defendants received their sentences on January 31, 2023. Brigadier General Yus Adi Kamrullah, referred to as Defendant I, was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Yus was also fined Rp 750 million, with a subsidiary prison term of 6 months. In addition, a replacement sum of Rp 34.38 billion was imposed, with a subsidiary prison term of 4 years in case the defendants fail to compensate for the state's losses.
Defendant II, Ni Putu Purnamasari, was sentenced to 16 years in prison, accompanied by a fine of Rp 750 million and a subsidiary prison term of 6 months. Additionally, she was required to pay compensation amounting to Rp 80.33 billion, with a subsidiary imprisonment of 6 years if she failed to fulfill the state's losses.
Five months later, precisely on May 15, 2023, the second case resulted in a loss of Rp 61.7 billion. The Connectivity Panel of Judges at the Jakarta High Military Court II delivered a severe sentence to Defendant I, Colonel Czi (Purn) Cori Wahyudi Aht, with a principal sentence of 11 years in prison, a fine of Rp 750 million, and a subsidiary prison term of 6 months. Furthermore, Defendant I was obliged to pay compensation totaling Rp 8.9 billion, with a subsidiary prison term of 4 years if unable to fulfill the payment.
Regarding Defendant II, KGS M. Mansyur Said, he received a principal sentence of 11 years in prison, a fine of Rp 750 million, and a subsidiary prison term of 6 months. He was also mandated to pay compensation amounting to Rp 52.27 billion, with a subsidiary imprisonment of 6 years if unable to meet the state's losses.
Civil and military circles alike are appalled by these cases of corruption. Rear Admiral TNI Anwar Saadi, the Junior Attorney General for Military Crime (JAM-Pidmil), expressed his appreciation for the connected handling of the corruption cases involving the misuse of TWP AD funds. He emphasized the significance of identifying and holding accountable both civilian and military perpetrators involved in such abuses.
Anwar stressed that the severity of the punishments imposed on the defendants in these two cases stems from the significant harm caused to the interests of the TNI. The misappropriation of funds meant for soldiers' housing resulted in the soldiers not receiving their rightful allowances, impacting their welfare and that of their families. Many soldiers, including officers, still lack decent housing, while the defendants diverted the funds intended for their benefit.
Furthermore, Anwar pointed out that these cases have inflicted financial losses upon the Indonesian Army, hindering the programs led by the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (Kasad) and the Unit Commander aimed at providing welfare to soldiers through the TWP housing scheme.
"The aftermath is that the morale of the soldiers is not enthusiastic. Of course, this will directly or indirectly have a negative and dangerous impact on the decline in professionalism in carrying out basic tasks in the field of national defense," remarked Anwar, underscoring the negative consequences resulting from such corruption cases.
The disclosure and prosecution of these corruption cases within the Indonesian Army serve as a stark reminder of the necessity to uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability within the military institution. It is crucial to prevent the recurrence of such acts, ensuring the welfare and effectiveness of the soldiers who bravely serve their nation.
