JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has on Monday (June 9) questioned Jero Wacik, Minister of Energy & Mineral Resources (ESDM) and one of key leaders from Democratic Party, as witness related to investigation into graft scandal at the Energy Ministry and the powerful Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Body (SKK Migas).

At the time of writing, Jero has still been questioned by the KPK’s investigators. This is the second examination for Jero.

According to KPK’s Spokesperson Priharsa Nugraha, Jero has been questioned as witness for Artha Meris Simbolon, President Director of PT Kaltim Parna Industri and one of suspects in the case.

Previously, the KPK had questioned Jero for the first time on December 2, 2013, to clarify on US$200,000 fund confiscated by the KPK from the office of Waryono Karno, Secretary General of the Energy Ministry.

The KPK also asked clarification from Jero on the bribery allegations surrounding the so-called holiday bonuses (THR) for members of the House Commission VII and the giant Mahakam’s block contract extension discussion.

The possibility of Jero’s involvement in the scandal was also revealed by Karen Agustiawan, Pertamina CEO and another witness in the case, on her minutes of investigation.

Karen mentioned a request of money by both Jero and Waryono for the holiday bonuses (THR) to be delivered to members of the House Commission VII.

But later Karen said she had made a correction over her testimonies given in KPK’s minutes of investigation. (haryantos@yosefardi.biz)