Minister Shocked at Rudi Rubiandini's Arrest

Jakarta (Antara) - State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan said he was shocked upon hearing about the arrest of Head of Upstream Oil and Gas Special Working Unit (SKK Migas) Rudi Rubiandini. "I am shocked. I cannot believe that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Rudi Rubiandini," noted Dahlan, adding that Rudi is a simple person, who is determined to fix various problems in the oil and gas sector. However, the minister said Rudi has many opponents because of his determination to eradicate corruption in the oil and gas sector. KPK arrested Rudi on Tuesday night for taking bribes at his house in Jakarta. Johan Budi, spokesperson for KPK, mentioned that Rudi and two private entrepreneurs, who are known by their initials - A and S, have been arrested. Johan Budi said Rudi and these two men have been taken to the KPK office for questioning. Meanwhile, Bambang Soesatyo, member of the House of Representative's III Commission, mentioned that the KPK should expose mafia practices in both bureaucratic processes and oil and gas businesses run by private companies. Bambang noted that mafia practices in the oil and gas industry, in the areas of licensing and contract extension, have been prevalent for a long time. "We have heard rumours about businessmen giving government officials money in return for licenses," he said. Bambang Soesatyo added that KPK should look into such illegal practices carried out by foreign oil and gas companies in Indonesia. (*)