Anti-Graft Commision Interrogates Former Lawmaker On Jeko Wacik's Case

Jakarta, Sept 17 (Antara) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned former chairman of the House of Representatives` Commission VII handling the energy sector Sutan Bhatoegana in connection with a corruption case involving former energy and mineral resources minister Jero Wacik. "I am here as a witness for Jero Wacik`s case. I do not know what the investigators will ask me. This has nothing to do with me," noted Sutan. On September 3, the KPK had named Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik as a suspect in an extortion case, in which he allegedly received Rp9.9 billion during his ministerial term in 2011-2012. According to the anti-graft body`s investigation, Jero is believed to have ordered his staff to generate additional funds for the minister`s operational costs. Jero`s staff then carried out fictitious activities, which were funded by sponsors from private parties. Sutan denied the allegations that he was aware of the extortion being conducted by Jero Wacik since they are high-ranking members of the ruling Democrat Party. Sutan himself has been named as a suspect in an alleged graft case on the discussion of the revised budget for the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM) in 2013. Earlier, Chief Economic Minister Chairul Tanjung expressed hope that the proceedings at the ESDM will not be disrupted as Minister Jero Wacik has been named a suspect. "We hope the activities of the ESDM will not be disturbed and will run as usual," Tanjung remarked.