The investigators questioned the couple as suspects because they allegedly accepted bribes from executives of PT Tatar Kertabumi, a subsidiary of property giant PT Agung Podomoro Land, in connection with the issuance of an environmental management permit (SPPL) to build a mall in Karawang.

The KPK alleged that Ade told his wife to demand the company pay the equivalent of Rp 5 billion in cash, which was to be exchanged into US$424,349, before he would issue the permit. The cash was allegedly transported by Ade's brother to Ade's house on the evening of July 17.

KPK officers arrested Nurlatifah and Ade's brother that evening while waiting for Ade, who was touring the regency. The regent arrived home after midnight and was also arrested.

'Alhamdulilah [Thank God], minal aidin wal faidzin [may you be among the winners and those who return to the pure life],' said Ade as quoted by kontan.co.id. That was the only statement Ade made when queried by reporters. He arrived at the KPK headquarters at 9:45 a.m.

After the questioning, Ade denied allegations that he had extorted money from the company, but said he had requested the developer build an overpass to help ease traffic near the planned mall.

"The Karawang Development Planning Board [Bappeda] and other agencies resisted the issuance of the SPPL because the mall would have worsened traffic jams," Ade told reporters, adding that the company applied for the SPPL in 2013.

"Spatial planning, however, is appropriate for having a mall in the location." (alz/nvn)

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