Graft convict questioned over boss' involvement

JAKARTA: Yohanes Waworuntu, a corruption convict serving four years in prison, was questioned by police over his report that Hartono Tanoesudibyo, the president commissioner of PT Sarana Rekatama Dinamika (SRD), was involved in the Justice and Human Rights Ministry online graft case that caused Rp 400 billion (US$37 million) in state losses.

SRD is the subcontractor of www.sisminbakum.com, the ministry's official website. The website offers services for, among others, establishing and modifying legal status for businesses.

Yohanes reported Hartono to the National Police, claiming he was made the scapegoat in the case. He said he was told by Hartono to say he was the owner of SRD. In return, Yohanes said, Hartono would write off his Rp 1 billion debt.

"I was questioned regarding *alleged* false testimony by Hartono in the investigation. I was asked to hand over all legal documents related to the testimony as well," he said Thursday.

Hartono is the younger brother of media mogul Hary Tanoesudibyo and together they are commissioners of PT Bhakti Investama, a company that owns several media outlets including private TV stations RCTI, Global TV and TPI and morning daily Seputar Indonesia.

Apart from Yohanes, several high-ranking ministry officials, including the former director general for public legal administration, Romli Atmasasmita, and his successors Syamsuddin Manan Sinaga and Zulkarnain Yunus, have been imprisoned in the case. - JP