JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) examined Jero Wacik, former Minister of Energy & Mineral Resources (ESDM) and politician from Democratic Party, related to further investigation into gratification allegation through the so-called holiday bonuses (THR) from the powerful upstream oil and gas regulatory agency SKKMigas to lawmakers at the House Commission VII.
KPK’s Head of News & Informations Priharsa Nugraha revealed that KPK questioned Jero as a witness for his party’s colleague Sutan Bhatoegana, former Head of the House of Representatives (DPR) Energy Commission VII and a suspect in the case.
Jero Wacik himself is a suspect in another graft case also handled by KPK. KPK named Jero as graft suspect since Sep. 3 for allegedly collecting Rp9.9 billion illicit money through extortion practices, mark up, etc during his tenure at the ESDM Ministry.
Bhatoegana, meanwhile, had been named as a suspect on May. 14. KPK had charged Bhatoegana with Article 12 letter a or b or Article 11 and Article 12B of the Anti-Corruption Law juncto Article 55 Paragraph 1 point 1 of the Criminal Code (KUHP).
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 in July 2013 to Bhatoegana through Tri Yulianto, as a request from Bhatoegana. The money was delivered to the members and leaders of the Energy Commission. (haryantosuharman@yosefardi.com)