KPK Robing New Case of Alleged Corruption in Energy Ministry

Jakarta (Antara) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said it is probing a case of alleged corruption in the energy and mineral resources (ESDM) ministry. The anti graft agency has not named a suspect but it has summoned and questioned witnesses including ESDM Minister Jero Wacik and his wife Triesnawati Wacik. The type of crime is yet to be determined, KPK chairman Abraham Samad said here on Tuesday, adding it could be graft categorized as extortion. "Hopefully we could wrap up the process this week. I would not promise, but it would not be too long," Samad said. He said he could not say how many people are to be asked to be responsible legally in the case. "I can't say precisely, but we would soon see," he said, adding, "we need one more session to make a decision, hopefully this week." This case was unearthed as a result of the investigations of previous cases of corruption in socialization activities, health bicycle procurement and maintenance of the office of the secretariat of the ESDM ministry with former secretary general of the ESDM ministry Waryono Karno as suspect. On June 25, 2014, special staff for political affairs of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Daniel Sparingga was also questioned in the process of investigation of the case. The case involving Waryono Karno caused a loss of Rp9.8 billion in state fund in the project valued at Rp25 billion in the socialization activities, procurement of health bicycles and maintenance of the office of the secretariat of the ESDM ministry. Waryono is also named suspect with charge of receiving graft related to US$200,000 found by KPK in his office room in a raid following the arrest of head of the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulator (SKK Migas) Rudi Rubiandini, who is now serving a jail term for graft. Waryono has also been asked to testify in other corruption cases involving the ESDM ministry. (*)