ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) of Indonesia has affirmed its readiness to investigate alleged corruption in the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Rail Project, known as Whoosh.
The agency stated it will coordinate with the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK) and the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to strengthen oversight and law enforcement.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo made the statement following remarks by Prof. Mahfud MD, who raised suspicions of a major mark-up in the joint Indonesia–China project. Through his official YouTube channel, Mahfud pointed out significant discrepancies between Indonesia’s and China’s cost estimates for the project.
According to Mahfud, the Indonesian calculation stood at USD 52 million per kilometer, while the Chinese version was only USD 17–18 million per kilometer—a threefold difference that, he argued, strongly indicates potential budget inflation in the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project.
In response, Budi expressed KPK’s appreciation for public concern over corruption issues and invited anyone with supporting data to come forward.
“If there is information or preliminary evidence of corruption, including supporting data, KPK encourages the public to submit it directly to us,” Budi said, October 20, 2025.
He emphasized that every piece of information received would be carefully reviewed and analyzed to determine whether it contains elements of a criminal act and falls under KPK’s jurisdiction.
“All information will be examined to assess whether there are indications of corruption and whether it falls within KPK’s mandate,” he added.
Budi further explained that KPK does not work alone. The agency often relies on audit findings from BPK and financial transaction analyses from PPATK as the basis for case development.
“KPK gathers information from multiple sources—ranging from PPATK reports, BPK audits, to public complaints. Every lead is studied and analyzed, and if we find indications of corruption, further investigation will follow,” he explained.
He underscored that the synergy among KPK, BPK, and PPATK plays a crucial role in strengthening Indonesia’s financial oversight system. Through such collaboration, KPK can trace fund flows, irregularities, and potential misuse of public funds in major national projects.
“Case handling at KPK doesn’t rely solely on public reports. We also build cases based on data and initial findings from financial audit and analysis institutions,” Budi noted.
With growing inter-agency cooperation, KPK hopes Indonesia’s anti-corruption efforts will become more effective, transparent, and evidence-based.
“KPK stands ready to follow up on any verified data, including from public figures such as Prof. Mahfud MD, to ensure accountability and uphold justice,” Budi concluded. (AT Network)
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