JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – Pressure to the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) intensifies as testimony of several witnesses of beef graft case adds more pressures to the under-spotlight Islamic party.
Trial of the beef import graft quota with defendant Arya Abdi Effendy and Juard Effendy from beef import PT Indoguna Utama has entered hearing of testimony from witnesses. Several key witnesses are scheduled to give their statement in the trial.
Before panel of the judges of Jakarta Corruption Court, Fathanah, suspect of the beef graft case testified that he has close relation with the former PKS President and graft suspect Luthfi Hasan Ishaaq.
Fathanah claimed that he introduced Luthfi with Maria Elizabeth, Indoguna Utama President Director, to set beef quota increase. “It was arranged for that,” stated Fathanah.
PKS was also mentioned to have received donation from Fathanah’s company. Fathanah claimed that his company has donated money to several institutions including PKS after receiving a big profit back in 2012.
Fathanah, moreover, also stated that he has attended PKS’ religious event in Medan. The witness stated that the beef import quota issue was discussed in the Luthfi’s hotel room in Medan. In the meeting, which attended by Minister of Agriculture Suswono, Fathanah claimed that he tried to pass Maria’s request to increase the beef import quota.
Not only Fathanah, an investigator from the anti graft commission KPK also gave less than relieving testimony for PKS. Amir Arif, the investigator, stated under oath that Fathanah, Luthfi, Maria, Minister of Agriculture Suswono, and Suwarso – close friend of Suswono — spent a night on Luthfi room in Aryaduta Hotel, Medan on Jan. 10, 2013. (written by Indra Budiari)