Former Minister of Religious Affairs Arrested

Jakarta (Antara) - The Corruption Eradication Commission finally sent former Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali to his detention cell after naming him a corruption suspect since last year. Suryadharma was charged with embezzling funds for hajj pilgrims when he was minister in 2012-2013. "He is detained at the Guntur detention center for 20 days," acting deputy chairman of KPK Johan Budi said here on Friday. Suryadharma said he had been treated unfairly. "I was investigated from 11.30 until 18.000. KPK has treated me unfairly. Until now KPK has not been able to say the losses in state money," he said. He said KPK talked about potential losses and estimated losses, but could not give a fix figure. "So what is the corruption charged against me since there is no loss to the state?" he said, adding KPK estimated a loss of Rp1.8 trillion. Where could I hide the money ?" KPK also charged him with abuse of power by carrying his family members and friends in hajj pilgrims using the quota for other people who had waited for years to have their turn. Suryadharma is facing a maximum imprison term of 20 years with a fine of Rp1 billion if found guilty. (*)