Defendant links ex-minister with BI bribery case

Former House of Representatives lawmaker Endin A.J. Soefihara has confirmed reports that former forestry minister Malam Sambat Kaban was among legislators who received traveler’s checks in the election of Miranda Swaray Goeltom as Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor in 2004.

Endin said Tuesday Kaban, also the Crescent Star Party leader, received the check from fellow member of the House’s finance commission Abdullah Zaini, who has died.

“In his documented account when he testified for me, he is said to accept the check,” Endin, who is standing trial for the bribery case, was quoted by Antara.

Kaban admitted to receiving the traveler’s check from Zaini as a token of friendship, which had nothing to do with Miranda’s election. Both Kaban and Zaini were alumni of the Islamic Students Association.

“I did not vote for Miranda. It [the money] was a gift,” Kaban said, adding that he could not remember the amount of the traveler’s check.

The Corruption Court is trying four former lawmakers in connection with the alleged bribery. Endin is brought to justice although he claims he did not vote for Miranda.