'We are asking the KPK to coordinate with the Law and Human Rights Ministry, the National Police, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the Witness and Victims' Protection Agency (LPSK) to protect the witnesses because the six significant witnesses relating to Nazaruddin's cases have received threats,' said Febri Diansyah of Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) on Wednesday, citing a joint statement between the ICW, the Indonesia Legal Roundtable (ILR) and the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI).

According to the ICW, the six witnesses had information relating to Nazaruddin's cases, which are being handled by the KPK, the AGO and the National Police.

They include the former deputy financial director at the Anugerah Group, Yulianis, who was reported by Edhie Baskoro 'Ibas' Yudhoyono to the Jakarta Police for alleged defamation and signature forgery, and PT Pacific Putra Metropolitan president director Bayu Wijonkonko, who is now a suspect in a Rp 138.8 billion worth (US$14 million) corruption case centering on the procurement of training aircraft at the Indonesian Aviation Institute (STPI).

Two other witnesses are PT Anugerah Nusantara deputy marketing director Clara Mauren and Permai Group marketing director Gerhana Sianipar, who are both currently under the protection of the LPSK, having received threats. The final two witnesses are Permai Unang Group administrative director Sudrajat and PT Anak Negeri marketing director Mindo Rosalina Manulang.

'There is the danger they will be criminalized by the police and prosecutors' offices,' said Febri. (ebf)

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