KPK arrest former mayor for graft

A Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) team of investigators have arrested former Pematang Siantar mayor Robert Edison Siahaan for graft, an official says.

Siahaan, who was already a suspect, is now being detained at Cipinang Prison for further questioning.

“We have gathered evidence that shows his involvement in a graft case that has inflicted Rp 9 billion [US$1 million] in state losses,” KPK spokesperson Johan Budi said Wednesday as quoted by tempointeraktif.com.

He said preliminary evidence showed that Siahaan - in his capacity as mayor - had ordered his subordinates to cut 40 percent of the region’s public works’ maintenance budget, worth Rp 30 billion.

Siahaan, who is now Pematang Siantar’s Democratic Party chief, said he did not give that order.

“It was the regional secretary and the division head who should be held responsible for the scam,” he said.