"Atut is the Governor of Banten province, but she has no authority to use the budget. It is in the hands of Chief of Health Office in Banten. Hence we hope the anti-graft commission who investigates this case will be fair towards Atut," stated Atut's lawyer.
The Banten Province Governor, Ratu Atut Chosiyah and her brother, Tubagus Chaeri Wardana, have been named corruption suspects in connection with the procurement of health equipment worth Rp30 billion in the province in 2011-2013.
"After conducting a thorough probe, the investigators have unearthed ample evidence to arrive at the decision that the case can be examined further for judicial purposes with Ratu Atut Chosiyah (RAC), Banten governor and Tubagus Chaeri Wardana (TCW), president of the board of commissioners of PT Bali Pacific Pragama as suspects," Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Spokesman Johan Budi stated in a press conference earlier on January.
The duo are charged with violating Article 2 Paragraph 1 or Article 3 of Law Number 31 of 1999, which has been changed to Law Number 20 of 2001 in conjunction with Article 55 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code that entails a maximum of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of Rp one billion.
"The order for judicial investigation was issued on January 6," he remarked.
Atut and Wawan allegedly conducted a mark-up and arranged winning bidders for which they received commissions.
"RAC is also alleged to have abused her powers as governor and incurred losses to the state and arranged favors for herself and the company. The investigators are yet to confirm the cumulative losses involved in the scandal," Johan added.
Johan pointed out that other suspects may also be involved in their case. "The case is still developing. If two other pieces of evidence can be found, then it will be easy to nail down others involved in the case," he claimed.
Atut has earlier been named as suspect for having allegedly bribed former Chairman of Constitutional Court Akil Mochtar in exchange for him to ensure victory of a candidate for the Lebak District's Chief in an election dispute. (*/DWA)
: Dewa Sudiarta Wiguna
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