Daniel Denies Involvement In Jero Corruption Case

Jakarta, Sept 9 (Antara) - Special staff of the president in political communications Daniel Sparingga denies suggestion that he was involved in corruption case with Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik as the suspect. "I had no role in the case," Daniel said after being grilled for seven hours by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) here on Tuesday. Jero Wacik, the secretary of the High Council of the ruling Democratic Party, was charged with abuse of power and extortion, causing a loss of Rp9.9 billion in to the state. Daniel said he was questioned only as a witness and that he had told his investigators everything he knew about the case. He denied any cooperation between himself and the energy and mineral resources ministry. He is the first witness questioned by KPK in the case after the anti graft agency declared Jero Wacik as suspect last week. Jero Wacik is facing a maximum jail term of 20 years with a fine of Rp1 billion if found guilty. The case against Jero Wacik surfaced in the process of investigation of Waryono Karno, former secretary general of the energy and mineral resource ministry. Waryono was named a corruption suspect following the arrest of former chief of the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulator (SKK Migas) Rudi Rubiandono, who was caught red handed by KPK receiving a bribe. Rudi is already serving a jail term but Wayono has yet to face his trial.