Anti-Graft Body Interrogates Ratu Atut's Daughter

Jakarta, Oct 15 (Antara) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned ex-governor of Banten Ratu Atut`s daughter Andiara Aprilia Hikmat as witness in a corruption case involving her mother related to the procurement of health equipment during 2011-2013 in Banten. Andiara, who has recently been inaugurated as member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) for the 2014-2019 period, arrived at the KPK building in Central Jakarta, on Wednesday morning, but chose not to speak to the journalists waiting there. Earlier, the KPK had questioned Ratu Atut`s son, Andika Hazrumy, in connection with the same case. Andika himself has just been inaugurated as member of the House of Representatives (DPR) for the period of 2014-2019. The former governor of Banten province Ratu Atut Chosiyah has been named a suspect in two corruption cases, one being an alleged bribery case related to the election dispute involving the post of Lebak district chief and the second case related to the procurement of health supplies in South Tangerang district. According to KPK`s investigation, Ratu Atut, through her step brother Tubagus Chaeri Wardana or Wawan, had attempted to bribe the currently suspended Constitutional Court chairman Akil Mochtar in exchange for a favorable decision that would help a particular candidate to win the Lebak district chief election. The former Banten governor, who is also a devoted member of the Golkar Party, has been accused of nepotism involving relatives being appointed to important posts in various districts and across the city administrations in the province. Her son, Andhika Hazrumy, is a member of the Banten Regional Representative Council (DPD); Andhika`s wife, Ade Rosi Khairunnisa, has been appointed as deputy chairwoman of the Serang City Council; her step mother, Heryani, is the deputy regent of Pandeglang; her younger sister, Ratu Tatu Chassanah, is the deputy regent of Serang; her step brother, Tubagus Chaerul Jaman, is the mayor of Serang; and Tubagus Chaeri Wardana`s wife, Airin Rachmi Diany, is the mayor of Tangerang Selatan. In the graft case related to offering bribe to the suspended Constitutional Court chairman Akil Mochtar, Ratu Atut was sentenced to four years imprisonment with a fine of Rp200 million to be paid to the state.