JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – Judge Asiadi Sembiring at the South Jakarta District Court rejected a pre-trial petition filed by Sutan Bhatoegana Siregar, graft suspect and politician from SBY’s Democratic Party, against the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
In a verdict trial on Monday (Apr. 13), judge Asiadi, in his consideration, mentioned Article 82 paragraf 1 of the Criminal Code Procedures (KUHAP). The article stipulates that once a trial of a case started at the court while the process of a pre-trial petition related to said case is not yet concluded, then the pre-trial petition is void by law.
With the verdict, Bhatoegana will face his first trial scheduled today at the Jakarta Corruption Court.
Bhatoegana has been named as graft suspect since May. 14, 2014. According to KPK’s minutes of investigation (BAP) on the former SKK Migas Head Rudi Rubiandini dated Sep. 4, 2013, Rudi said he delivered US$200,000 to Bhatoegana through Tri Yulianto, another Democratic Party lawmaker, in July 2013.
Bhatoegana, the former Head of the House Commission VII (overseeing energy & mineral resources affairs), then delivered the money known as as the so-called holiday bonuses (THR) to other leaders and members of the Commission. (haryantosuharman@yosefardi.com)