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DPD former speaker begins trial over bribery
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Suspect: Former Regional Representatives Council (DPD) speaker Irman Gusman (center) talks with journalists after undergoing questioning by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in Jakarta on Sept. 17. (Antara/Yudhi Mahatma)
T
he Jakarta Corruption Court has started the trial of former Regional Representatives Council (DPD) speaker Irman Gusman for accepting a bribe of Rp 100 million (US$7,64) in exchange for the manipulation of an import quota in West Sumatra.
Prosecutor Ahmad Burhanudin said sufficient evidence could show that Irman accepted a bribe from CV Semesta Berjaya owned by Memi and Xaveriandy Sutanto, who were also defendants in the case, in order to award the latter a sugar import quota.
"Defendant Irman Gusman has abused his power to lobby the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to allocate an import quota to CV Semesta Berjaya," Ahmad of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), read out from the case dossier to the court.
Ahmad further said the case started in July when Memi contacted Irman and asked for his help to acquire a sugar import quota of 3,000 tons, as sugar prices in the region were high at time. Irman agreed to assist Memi if he received Rp 300 commission per kilogram. Imran then used his political influence to lobby Bulog president director Djarot Kusumayakti award Memi's company the import quota.
Irman was arrested in a sting operation carried out by the Corruption and Eradication Commission (KPK) in September at his official residence in Jakarta.
Prosecutors charged Irman for violating articles 11 and 12 of the 2001 Corruption Law, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment. (fac/jun)
