KPK delayed probe into Masaro graft case: Ex-director

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 11/11/2009 11:13 PM  |  National

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) leaders delayed an investigation into alleged bribery involving PT Masaro Radiocom to secure a telecommunications contract with the Forestry Ministry  despite solid evidence, a former official says.

Former KPK director of investigation Brig. Gen. Bambang Widaryatmo said after a quiz by a government fact finding team on Wednesday he had secured evidence of involvement of then forestry minister Malam Sambat Kaban and Masaro owner Anggoro Widjojo following a search.

“I discovered proofs but [the case] was not processed. Only recently the investigation into the case was launched. Back then I suggested that the case be followed up because we already obtained evidence, but to no avail,” Bambang said.

He added that the proofs included stamps, data from a laptop and computer that could be used to implicate Anggoro and Kaban.

The National Police has named KPK deputy chiefs Chandra M. Hamzah and Bibit Samad Rianto suspects for allegedly accepting bribes from and extorting Anggoro, but a recent tape recording revealed an alleged plot to frame them.

Bambang also said he returned to the police force merely to defend his integrity which he said could not tolerate the interests of KPK leaders. “It was Pak Antasari who proposed that the National Police withdraw me from the KPK,” Bambang said, referring to former KPK chief Antasari Azhar, who is standing trial for premeditated murder.

Commenting on Chandra and Bibit, Bambang added that he and several other KPK investigators had opposed their decision to lift a travel ban on graft suspect Djoko S. Tjandra, citing procedural violations.

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