Romy – once an ally of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo – read out his defense statement during a hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday. He stands accused of influencing Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin to promote two officials, who allegedly gave Romy more than Rp 300 million (US$22,000) in return for his support.  

Romy has challenged the accusations, claiming he simply made recommendations to Lukman. To prove his point, Romy revealed an encounter he had with a former KPK commissioner in 2015.

Romy said the individual had sought to use Romy’s influence as PPP chairman to convince lawmakers to vote for them as a KPK commissioner for the 2015-2019 period.

“The person came to my house and asked for my help to make a recommendation [for them] to several political party leaders,” Romy said during the hearing led by presiding judge Fahzal Hendri.

“I believe that recommending public figures to state officials is not a crime.”

“As a party chairman, I have received a lot of requests from people wanting me to help them get their family members or colleagues prominent positions in the government – not only by [recommending the names to] the religious affairs minister but also to other officials,” he added.

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