Minister testifies over misused permits

Tue, 04/08/2008 11:52 AM  |  National

JAKARTA: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned Forestry Minister MS Ka'ban in its investigation of misused forest permits issued in Pelalawan regency, Riau, between 2001 and 2006.

The KPK named Pelalawan regent Tengku Azmun Jaafar a suspect in the case last August. Jaafar is suspected of accepting a bribe of Rp 600 million (US$65,217) for permitting 15 companies, seven of which were financially troubled, to access protected forests.

The KPK estimated the state lost around Rp 1.3 trillion from the case. It has asked for explanations from several witnesses, including former forestry minister Nur Mahmudi Ismail.

Tengku violated a 2002 government regulation stipulating permission would be given to the companies to manage empty land, not protected forests, Ka'ban said Monday.

Ka'ban said his office would closely examine the regulation as part of its efforts to prevent similar violations in future.

The KPK on Monday also questioned Tengku, who has been detained at Jakarta Police Headquarters since last December. -- JP

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