JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed that Jero Wacik, graft suspect and Minister of Energy & Mineral Resources (ESDM), has allegedly collected Rp9.9 billion illicit money by abusing his power during the period of 2011-2012 with blackmailing practices, mark up, etc.

In a press briefing on Wednesday (September 3), KPK Deputy Chief Bambang Widjojanto explained that Jero ordered his subordinates to mark up the operational fund for ESDM Minister, the fund he supposedly received.

Bambang also said Jero got the money from the fund allocated to a series of fictive meetings.

KPK Chief Abraham Samad earlier said Jero has been accused for blackmailing and receiving cash money from, for example, state-run oil & gas company PT Pertamina related to the holiday bonuses, known locally as tunjangan hari raya (THR), to members and leaders of the House of Representatives (DPR) Energy Commission VII.

As reported earlier, the KPK has just named Jero, who is also one of key leaders from President SBY’s Democratic Party, as graft suspect this afternoon. The KPK charged Jero with Article 12 letter e or Article 23 of the Anti-Corruption Law juncto Article 421 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP).

KPK has been also asking the Immigration Office to ban Jero Wacik, one of key leaders from President SBY’s Democratic Party,  from overseas travel. (haryantos@yosefardi.biz)