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KPK arrests 11 people over alleged bribery of House lawmaker
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested 11 individuals, including importers and a lawmaker's aide, in relation to the alleged bribery of a member of House of Representatives Commission VI overseeing trade, industry and investment.
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Fighting against corruption: Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairman Agus Rahardjo announces the body's decision to name Purbalingga Regent Tasdi a suspect in a graft case during a press conference on June 5. KPK investigators show some of the money they seized during their operation. (JP/Kharishar Kahfi)
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nvestigators of Indonesia’s antigraft agency have arrested 11 individuals in a two-day operation on Wednesday and Thursday in Jakarta in connection with a bribery case involving a House of Representatives lawmaker and a garlic import business.
Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairman Agus Raharjo said the graft busters were still interrogating the apprehended individuals at the agency’s headquarters on Thursday morning. Importers and a lawmaker’s aid were among those arrested.
“We received a tip-off on an illicit transaction related to garlic imports. The bribe was initially going to be handed over to a lawmaker from the House’s commission overseeing trade, industry and investments,” Agus alleged in a statement on Thursday referring to the House Commission VI.
Investigators found the allegedly illicit money was wired through a bank as they seized financial transaction receipts for a transfer of Rp 2 billion (US$140,655). Graft busters also found US dollars on the lawmaker’s aide.
The KPK is to disclose the names of the apprehended individuals, as well as their legal status in the case, during an upcoming press conference, Agus said.
Read also: Trade minister skips KPK questioning in fertilizer case
Separately, the antigraft body is currently investigating a bribery case involving Bowo Sidik Pangarso, a House Commission VI lawmaker from the Golkar Party, pertaining to shipping arrangements for the country’s largest fertilizer company, PT Pupuk Indonesia Holding Company (PIHC).
Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita was implicated in the case when Bowo reportedly told KPK investigators that he accepted some illicit money from the minister in connection with a 2017 trade ministerial regulation on the trade of refined sugar. The minister has denied the allegation.
