The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Wednesday named Sutan Bhatoegana as a suspect for allegedly receiving bribes from officials of the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKKMigas) and several oil and gas companies
he Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Wednesday named Sutan Bhatoegana as a suspect for allegedly receiving bribes from officials of the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKKMigas) and several oil and gas companies.
'We found his alleged involvement in a bribery case in relation to the 2013 state budget review at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry,' KPK spokesperson Johan Budi said on Wednesday as quoted by Antara news agency.
He said Bhatoegana was chairman of the House of Representatives Commission VII, which oversees energy and mineral resources for the period of 2009-2014 when the case occurred.
Johan said Bhatoegana would be charged with Articles 11 and 12 of the 1999 Law on corruption eradication.
The KPK also named PT Kaltim Parna Industri president director Artha Meri Simbolon as a suspect for her alleged involvement in the same graft case.
'We have found two pieces of evidence deemed strong enough to also name Artha Meri as a suspect,' said Johan, adding that the suspect would be charged with Article of the 1999 law.
Bhatoegana's name was mentioned during a trial with graft defendant Rudi Rubiandini, former SKKMigas chief, in February.
It was said during the trial that Bhatoegana allegedly received US$200,000 in bribes from Rudi via Commission VII member Tri Yulianto. The Democratic Party lawmaker denied Tri's claim that he demanded the latter to ask Rudi to give the money as Idul Fitri holiday bonuses for the commission members.
Rudi was sentenced to seven years in prison and Rp 200 million (US$17,400) in fines.
Johan said the KPK would continue to investigate the case but a minimum of two pieces of evidence were required by the commission to name others linked with the case as suspects. (gda/ebf)
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