Legal Literacy- Muhammad Adil, Regent of the Meranti Islands, was arrested by the KPK in three cases of alleged corruption. One of the cases relates to budget cuts that were then used as operational funds for Adil's political safari activities related to his plan to run in the 2024 Riau gubernatorial election. In addition, Adil is also suspected of being involved in receiving fees for Umrah travel services and bribing the conditioning of financial audits within the Meranti Islands Regency Government. For more details, see this news.

Muhammad Adil, Regent of the Meranti Islands, has been officially named as a suspect in three cases of alleged corruption by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). One of the cases relates to budget cuts that were then used as operational funds for Adil's political safari activities related to his plan to run in the 2024 Riau gubernatorial election. This was revealed by the Deputy Chairman of the KPK, Alexander Marwata, in a press conference at the KPK Office on Friday, April 7, 2023.

On Thursday, April 6, Adil was caught in a KPK sting operation. A total of 28 people were secured by the KPK at around 9 p.m. in four different locations, namely the Meranti Islands Regency, Siak Regency, Pekanbaru City in Riau, and Jakarta. In addition to Adil, the KPK also named two other suspects, namely M. Fahmi Aressa, a young auditor from the Financial Audit Board of Riau Representative, and Fitria Nengsih, Head of the Financial Management and Assets Agency (BPKAD) of the Meranti Islands.

There are three corruption crimes committed by Adil. First, budget cuts as if they were debts to state administrators or their representatives for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year. Second, alleged corruption in receiving fees for Umrah travel services. And third, alleged corruption in bribery conditioning of financial audits in 2022 within the Meranti Islands Regency Government.

Alexander Marwata explained that Adil allegedly ordered the heads of Regional Apparatus Organizations (SKPD) to make cash deposits from deductions from imprest funds (UP) and imprest replacement funds (GU) in each SKPD, which were then manipulated as if they were debts to Adil. The amount of UP and GU deductions was determined by Adil, ranging from 5 to 10 percent for each SKPD. This cash deposit was then deposited to Fitra Nengsih, who is also Adil's confidant and serves as the Head of BPKAD of the Meranti Islands. The cash deposit was then used for Adil's interests, including for the 2024 Riau Gubernatorial Election.

In addition, in December 2022, Adil also received approximately IDR 1.4 billion from PT TM through Fitria Nengsih. Fitria, who is the Head of BPKAD of the Meranti Islands, also acts as the Head of the Branch of PT TM, a company engaged in Umrah travel services. The money was given because PT TM had won in the Umrah departure project for pilgrims this year. The project was awarded by the Ministry of Religious Affairs after a rigorous bidding process.

PT TM managed to offer lower departure costs compared to its competitors, but with no less quality of service. In addition, PT TM was also able to guarantee sufficient quota availability for pilgrims.

The government appreciates PT TM's victory in this project because it can provide benefits for pilgrims with more affordable costs. PT TM is also expected to provide the best service for the satisfaction of pilgrims and a good reputation for the country.