Aburizal defends graft-tainted Golkar politicians

JAKARTA: Golkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie said Sunday his party would retain members who had been named suspects in a high-profile bribery case centering on the 2004 election of a central bank senior deputy governor.

“We must uphold the principle of presumption of innocence. As long as they have not been found guilty, the Golkar Party will defend its members,” Aburizal said as quoted by Antara in Lubuklinggau, South Sumatra.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named 10 Golkar politicians graft suspects for allegedly receiving bribes to support Miranda S. Goeltom election to Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor for the 2004-2008 period.

The 10 are Baharuddin Aritonang, Antony Zeidra Abidin, Ahmad Hafiz Zawawi, Boby Suhardiman, Paskah Suzetta, Hengky Baramuli, Reza Kamarullah, Asep Ruchimat Sudjana, Marthin Bria Seran and TM Nurlif. —JP