Jakarta. The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) said on Friday that it would take disciplinary measures against state auditors who allegedly solicited a payment of Rp 12 billion in exchange for favorable audit outcomes for the Agriculture Ministry.

These accusations surfaced during a recent hearing in the corruption trial of former Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, who stands accused of self-enrichment during his tenure.

A former subordinate of the defendant testified that a BPK team had requested Rp 12 billion ($747,726) for an "unqualified report" – indicating clean audit results – on the Agriculture Ministry's financial statements during Syahrul's term.

According to the witness, ministry officials purportedly agreed to pay the BPK team Rp 5 billion, but the state auditors continued to demand the remaining amount initially requested.

However, the identities of the auditors weren’t disclosed.

"The BPK wholeheartedly supports anti-corruption efforts in Indonesia and will not condone any behavior contrary to the law, ethics, and audit standards and guidelines," the agency stated in a press release.

The agency maintains a whistleblower system allowing community members to confidentially report suspected misconduct by state auditors, the statement noted.

Syahrul stands accused of instructing Agriculture Ministry officials to gather funds from vendors or contractors to finance his personal expenses. He was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) last October, a week after submitting his resignation letter to the president.

KPK spokesman Ali Fikri said the alleged extortion by BPK auditors was "just one of many intriguing revelations" in the corruption trial.

"Prosecutors undoubtedly take note of all developments emerging during court hearings," Ali said.

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