Ruling Party's Chief Named Suspect Over Corruption

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesia's ruling Democrat Party's chief Anas Urbaningrum was named suspect in connection with a corruption case here on Friday and banned to travel abroad.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named Anas Urbaningrum suspect for allegedly receiving a gift or making a pledge linked to the planning and implementation of a sports complex project in Hambalang, West Java, KPK spokesman Johan Budi said in a press conference at the KPK Building.

"According to an investigation order issued today on February 22 the suspect is charged with violating Article 12 paragraph a or b or Article 11 of Law Number 31 of 1999 later changed to Law Number 20 of 2001 on corruption eradication," he said.

The Articles carry a life sentence or a minimum sentence of four to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to Rp1 billion. "KPK has found two pieces of evidence to conclude that AU is believed to have violated the articles," Johan Budi said.

He said all KPK leaders agreed to name AU suspect. "All agreed to name AU suspect. So, it is not true that KPK leaders have blocked AU's naming as suspect. It was a unanimous decision," he said.

He said the investigation order was signed by Bambang Widjojanto but the draft was signed by all five KPK leaders namely Adnan Pandu Praja, Zulkarnain, Bambang Widjojanto, Busyro Muqoddas and Abraham Samad. (*/M038)