JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – Minister of Religious Affairs Suryadharma Ali has resigned after being named as suspect in the graft case of the haj pilgrimage fund during 2012-2013 period managed under the Ministry.
Suryadharma tendered his resignation during the cabinet meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, on Monday (May 26).
As reported earlier, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Suryadharma as suspect in the haj graft case on May 22. KPK has charged Suryadharma with Article 2 Paragraph 1 or Article 3 of the Anti-Corruption Law juncto Article 65 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP). KPK might also charge Suryadharma with the Anti-Money Laundering Law.
KPK has also asked the Immigration Office to ban Suryadharma from overseas travel for the next six months.
Suryadharma, who is also Chairman of Islamic-based United Development Party (PPP), is one of key leaders in a coalition of six political parties endorsing Prabowo Subianto and Hatta Rajasa as a pair of presidential and vice presidential candidates in July 9 presidential election. That six political parties of Prabowo-Hatta’s coalition are Gerindra, PAN, PPP, PKS, Golkar Party, and PBB. (haryantos@yosefardi.biz)