Democratic Party to question Jhoni over graft allegations

House Democratic Party chairman Jafar Hafsah says his party plans to seek clarification from party deputy chief Jhoni Allen Marbun on recent allegations that he took bribes related with many government projects.

“We are going to provide room for Jhoni to defend himself with supporting evidence,” Jafar said Friday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

He added that his party would not defend Jhoni if he was found guilty in relation to the allegations.

Earlier, Jhoni Allen Marbun was reported by his former assistant, Salentinus Angelo Ola, to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) over allegations he received bribes from various regional administrations.

Salentinus said he had also supplied the commission with supporting evidence, and admitted that he had been sent by Jhoni to collect the money.

He also alleged that Jhoni had an accomplice in the "operation", who is now a local legislator at Jakarta’s Regional Representative Council (DPRD), Wilhelmina Wenas.

Jhoni was previously suspected to have been involved in a graft case under investigation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and had been questioned as a witness.

The ruling party has recently fallen into an internal political crisis, after many of its first-class cadres have been embroiled in various bribery cases linked to government projects.