Bribe suspects “hiding behind” minister

Three suspects are “hiding behind” Manpower and Transmigration Minister Muhaimin Iskandar to escape blame in a government bribery scandal, an official says.

“Our internal team has carried out a double check and concluded that there were a number of people who had bad intentions,” ministry spokeswoman Dita Indah Sari said as reported by tribunnews.com on Thursday.

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) officials seized Rp 1.6 billion (US$187,200) from one of the suspects, Dharnawati, that was allegedly earmarked for Muhaimin for an Idul Fitri celebration, Dharnawati’s attorney, Farhat Abbas, said.

The KPK arrested Dharnawati for allegedly bribing ministry officials I Nyoman Suisnata and Dadong Irberalawan to accelerate fund disbursement for several ministry projects across the nation.

I Nyoman and Dadong, who were also arrested by the KPK, alleged that the money they received was intended for Muhaimin.

Dita said that the trio was attempting to distract investigators.

“They hide behind the minister’s name to cover their actions. Other people have tried to bribe the minister several times and failed. Those who were arrested by the KPK this time also failed,” Dita said.

Dita said that Farhat should not comment on the case to avoid influencing the investigation and that the ministry would ensure the allegations would not disrupt its work.

“The minister thinks that the case must create momentum to eradicate corruption. He himself is leading the internal team to fight corruption,” Dita said.