"The potential financial loss of Rp439.55 billion is based on the audit results of state payments for 1,438 and 306 waterlogged land plots affected by the Margatiga Dam," said Senior Superintendent Umi Fadilah Astutik, the Head of Public Relations  Unit at the Lampung Regional Police, on Saturday (21/10/2023). She explained that that the audit covered the 1,438 waterlogged land plots and the 306 waterlogged land plots.  In the audit of the 1,438 waterlogged land plots,  it was found that there was an apparent markup and fictitious calculations for plants, buildings, ponds, and fish in the areas of land earmarked for the construction of the Margatiga Dam, amounting to Rp425.4 trillion. This was despite the initial compensation request before the audit being Rp507.6 trillion. "The amount deemed appropriate for compensation to the landowners is Rp82.2 billion," the spokesperson said. The second phase of the audit focused on 306 waterlogged land plots, revealing a potential excess payment due to post-location designation planting. This uncovered markup and fictitious calculations for plants, buildings, ponds, and fish amounting to Rp14.1 billion. The initial compensation request before the audit for these plots was Rp24 billion. "However, the amount deemed suitable for compensation to landowners is Rp9.8 billion. Consequently, from the results of both audits, potential state losses totaling Rp439.55 billion have been averted," she said. Investigations are ongoing, and further actions will be taken to address the issue and recover any lost funds.