Jakarta. Former Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, also known as SYL, believes he deserves recognition from the state for his contributions, despite facing a corruption trial related to his tenure as minister.

SYL expressed this view while testifying as a witness in the ongoing corruption case involving the Agriculture Ministry at the Corruption Court in the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday. The defendants in the case are former Ministry Secretary General Kasdi Subagyono and former Director of Agricultural Machinery Muhammad Hatta.

"The state should give me recognition," SYL said during the trial.

SYL claimed that the Ministry's contributions to the country have never been less than Rp 15 trillion ($915.7 million) annually, citing data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).

"With all due respect, Your Honor, according to the BPS data I have, my contributions have never been below Rp 15 trillion each year," SYL revealed.

SYL expressed confusion over the corruption allegations he is facing, which amount to approximately Rp 44.5 billion.

"You accuse me of seeking Rp 44 billion over four years, including for perfume and other things. I just demand justice. Don't bother recognizing me. I am ready to go to jail," SYL lamented.

SYL is implicated in allegations of extortion, bribery, and money laundering. The extortion and bribery charges are currently in trial, while the money laundering case is still under investigation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

KPK prosecutors allege that SYL extorted his subordinates and received bribes totaling Rp 44.5 billion during his tenure as Minister.

The tens of billions of rupiah were allegedly used for SYL's personal and family expenses, including gifts for invitations, donations to the Nasdem Party, religious events, chartering aircraft, disaster relief, overseas trips, Umrah pilgrimages, and animal sacrifices for religious observances.

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