SKK-Migas Chief on Investigation Status : KPK

Jakarta (Antara) - Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKK-Migas) Head Rudi Rubiandini and two businessmen are currently under investigation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the anti-graft body spokesman said. "We cannot draw any conclusions yet. We have another 24 hours to make a decision on pursuing charges following their arrest upon being caught-red handed. So we have until 10:30 p.m. tonight to make a decision," KPK spokesman Johan Budi told the press at the KPK building on Wednesday. He confirmed media reports that the KPK had caught the KPK chief and six others red-handed on Tuesday night. "KPK investigators caught red-handed the SKK-Migas chief 'R' at his home at 10:30 p.m. 'A' was also present in the house at the time of the arrest," Johan Budi said. The investigators later arrested 'S,' a businessman, at the Mediterania Apartment, Tower H, in West Jakarta at midnight. Two security guards, Rudi's driver, and two other businessmen also came under the scanner. "However, we suspect that only three people are involved in the case: S, A, and R," Johan stated. He noted that investigators were still counting the money confiscated from Rudi's house in Jalan Brawijaya, South Jakarta. "When they were arrested at the house at 10:30 p.m., investigators confiscated US$400 thousand. More cash, in US dollars, was found elsewhere, but this sum is still being counted," Johan explained. The KPK also confiscated a large motorcycle locally known as "Moge" or Motor Gede. Early reports had noted that Rudi was arrested with two other men, officials of foreign oil company Kernel Oil, who are suspected of offering the bribe, with a total sum of US$700,000 in their possession. SKK-Migas spokesman Elan Biantoro said he was shocked at the news of Rudi's arrest by the KPK. "I have known Rudi since he was a student as an honest, fair man with a great deal of integrity," Elan told Antara news agency. He claimed he could not offer any further information beyond what was already being announced on television. (*)