Investigation Of Suspected Corruption Delayed in Malang

Malang, East Java, Nov 11 (Antara) - Probe into suspected corruption in the construction of a bridge in Malang, East Java, drags on over witnesses failing to honor summon, police said. "So far the case is still in the early phase of investigation. There are a number of phases to go in the process of investigations such as summoning witnesses directly involved in the case," city police chief detective Adji. Comr Arief Kristanto said. He said bringing in people believed to know precisely about the case would not be as easy as expected. Difficulty in bringing in witnesses makes the process of investigations take a long time, he said, adding, not all witnesses could come immediately to meet the appointed time. He denied suggestion that police had deliberately dragged out the process of investigation. Investigation of the case began early September ans until now no suspect has been named. The case began when the city public works service terminated the contract with PT Nugraha Adi Taruna, which won the tender to build the project. The contract was terminated as the company failed to carry out the project as scheduled. Meanwhile, the East Java office of the government project financial watchdog, Badan Pengawasan Keuangan dan Pembangunan (BPKP), said the project had cause a loss of Rp9.7 billion in state fund. The Rp54 billion Kedungkandang bridge project is financed with funds from the city budgets of 2012 and 2013. The loss was in guarantee fund including insurance and implementation guarantee funds that was already to PT Nugraha Adi Taruna. Earlier, Malang police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Totok Suhariyanto said police would set up a special team to investigate the case. Meanwhile, head of the Malang city prosecution office said Munasim said his office was awaiting result of investigations by the city police. The Malang city police already summoned head of the Malang public works service (DPUPPB) Dr Jarot Edy Sulistyono for questioning.