Anti-Graft Body Questions Security Minister

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Tuesday questioned Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Djoko Suyanto in connection with an alleged corruption case.

"I am going to be questioned by the KPK in connection with a corruption case with Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik as the suspect," Djoko stated after his arrival at the KPK office.

Besides the security minister, the KPK also summoned Wacik's wife Triesna Jero Wacik, presidential special staff for politics and communication Daniel Sparingga's staff Reza Akbar, and Head of the Office of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Melinda "Melly" Santoso.

Earlier, on September 9, 2014, the anti-graft body questioned Daniel Sparingga as a witness in an alleged corruption case at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. 

But, during the questioning, he denied any role in the corruption case involving the energy and mineral resources minister.

"I had no role in the case," Sparingga stated after being grilled for seven hours by the KPK at the time.

Energy Minister Jero Wacik, also the secretary of the High Council of the ruling Democratic Party, was charged for carrying out extortion activities and abusing his power, thereby causing losses worth Rp9.9 billion to the state.

If proven guilty, Jero Wacik faces a maximum jail sentence of 20 years with a fine of Rp1 billion.

Sparingga revealed that he was questioned only as a witness, and that he had disclosed everything he knew about the case to the investigators.

He denied being involved in any form of cooperation with the energy and mineral resources ministry. (WDY)