he Jakarta Corruption Court rejected on Thursday graft defendant Setya Novanto’s demurrer in the e-ID case, deciding that the trial of the former House of Representatives Speaker should proceed.
Setya has objected to the accusations brought against him by the prosecutors of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), saying that the indictment against him is flawed and has no sufficient grounds, particularly regarding the Rp 2.3 trillion (US$161 million) estimated state losses.
"We order the trial to continue with witness examination, starting next Thursday,” presiding judge Yanto said during the hearing on Thursday.
The court dismissed all of Setya's arguments, including the objection to the KPK's indictment, which used a calculation by the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) in the estimation of state losses. Setya's team of lawyers has said such a calculation should come from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), which has the authority to do so.
"Other institutions, such as the BPKP, which audited the estimation in the e-ID case, are allowed to count the estimation [of state losses to be used in an indictment],” judge Anwar said during Thursday's hearing.
Setya accepted the bench's decision, saying that he “will honor the decision and undergo the trial accordingly". (ipa)
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