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Irony of Corruption in BNPB's Standby Funds: Humanitarian Aid Seen as a Project

This article was translated by AI. Read the original article on Kompas.com. See Original

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BNPB's Subdirectorate Head for Assistance Management and Emergency Funds and commitment-making official Gabriel Purwaka Sigit (left), Bima Setiawan (right), a private party and brother of BNPB Chief Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, and private party Syifa Nrika Ghifarian (second left) walk wearing detention vests after questioning at the KPK Red and White Building in Jakarta on Wednesday (14/10/2026). KPK apprehended five suspects, including BNPB commitment-making official Gabriel Purwaka Sigit, Bima Setiawan, Richard Erlangga, and two private parties, Gery Prasetiawan and Syifa Nrika Ghifarian, in a case of alleged corruption within the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) revealed through an operation to catch hands (OTT).(ANTARA FOTO/Fauzan)

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The disaster relief fund is intended for the government to quickly assist communities affected by disasters.

However, the budget, which should be used to save victims and restore emergency conditions, is suspected to have become a source of profit for several parties within the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed allegations of conflicts of interest and bribery related to the procurement of goods and services funded by BNPB's standby disaster funds (DSP).

This case involves five suspects, including Bima Setiawan, the younger brother and expert aide of former BNPB Chief Suharyanto.

KPK suspects that several companies affiliated with Bima obtained procurement projects through direct appointments from 2024 to 2026.

The total value of procurement from these companies amounts to approximately IDR 148 billion.

In addition to allegations of conflicts of interest, investigators found evidence of cash payments to several BNPB officials to secure procurement packages.

As part of the investigation, KPK seized evidence worth around IDR 5.47 billion, including cash, foreign currencies, gold, gold savings, and cryptocurrency.

What really happened in this case? Why is it considered ironic?

Between Conflict of Interest and Bribery

Acting Director of Investigation at KPK Ahmad Taufik Husein stated that standby funds are the budget allocated by the government for handling emergency disaster situations.

These funds can be used for various disasters, ranging from forest and land fires in Kalimantan and Papua to earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara and floods in Aceh and Sumatra.

To expedite disaster response, BNPB uses a procurement mechanism through direct appointments based on a Collaborative Work Plan (RKK).

However, KPK suspects that this mechanism has been exploited for conflicts of interest and bribery.

"In the process of using these DSPs, KPK found indications of conflicts of interest and bribery. Thus, the use of DSP based on RKK has allegedly benefited certain parties within BNPB," Taufik said at the KPK Red and White Building in Jakarta on Friday (16/10/2026).

In connection with the conflict of interest allegations, KPK has named Bima Setiawan as a suspect.