Senior Democratic Party lawmaker Sutan Bathoegana stepped down as chairman of House of Representatives Commission VII overseeing energy and natural mineral resources on Thursday, nearly one month after he was named a graft suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)
enior Democratic Party lawmaker Sutan Bathoegana stepped down as chairman of House of Representatives Commission VII overseeing energy and natural mineral resources on Thursday, nearly one month after he was named a graft suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
Sutan said his decision to resign was made on his own without pressure from party chairman President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. 'Considering my current status [as a graft suspect], it is not wise for me to lead Commission VII anymore. This is the manifestation of my responsibility to the public and to fellow lawmakers of Commission VII,' Sutan told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
Sutan, who represents North Sumatra in the House, has also filed a letter with the legislature giving up his seat. 'I am waiting for the House to respond to my letter,' said Sutan, who will be leaving the House in October anyway as he failed to hold onto his seat in the April 9 legislative election.
Immediately after Sutan stepped down from Commission VII on Thursday, lawmaker Milton Pakpahan was sworn in as its new chairman.
'Pak Milton has all the experience to lead the commission and he is also a diligent person,' said Sutan.
Sutan was named a graft suspect on May 14 after the KPK found compelling evidence that he had allegedly taken a bribe from former Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKKMigas) head Rudi Rubiandini to expedite deliberations of the budget for the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, which is led by Democratic politician Jero Wacik.
Asked whether he would reveal the role of Jero in the alleged bribery case, Sutan said, 'I'm letting God decide what happens in the future of my legal case.'
KPK deputy chairman Busyro Muqoddas reiterated that the bribery case involved officials at the ministry, but refused to mention any names. He did say, however, that 'The KPK is currently hunting down the mastermind of this case, who is hiding behind his authority.'
KPK chairman Abraham Samad also said Sutan would not be the only suspect in the case.
'We are developing the case to uncover other players besides Sutan. When the investigation is over, we will be able to confirm who those individuals are,' Abraham said.
Sutan made headlines late last year after Rudi, himself now a graft and money-laundering convict for bribery, testified that the outspoken lawmaker had repeatedly asked him for cash and goods in exchange for approving the budget for the ministry, which oversees SKKMigas.
Rudi's trial also revealed that former Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry secretary-general Waryono Karno ' also a graft suspect ' allegedly acted as a middle man instructed by Jero to ferry money from SKKMigas and state energy company PT Pertamina to House Commission VII.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.