Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has managed to confiscate Rp 180million (US$12,667) and $30,000 from the Office of Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin.
The KPK has charged the United Development Party (PPP) chairman, Romahurmuziy with bribery in relation to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Monday. The anti-corruption body has also searched the minister’s office for proof relating to the case. “As a part of our procedure, we are confiscating the money and any relevant documents related to the affairs between the Religious Affairs Ministry and the PPP,” KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah told reporters on Tuesday.
The KPK has yet to ascertain links between the two people and their respective charges, as it is currently in the process of gathering witnesses and verifying a series of evidence. PPP Vice Chairman, Arwani Thomafi has denied Lukman’s involvement in the corruption case relating to Romahurmuziy, and insisted that the money was to be used to cover fees for guest speakers in upcoming events. “Why can’t a minister have hundreds of millions of Rupiah? It does not have to come from corruption,” Arwani asked.
Vice President Jusuf Kalla expressed his thoughts about the situation, and said that the KPK would also find a lot of cash in his home if they were to raid it. The Vice President stated that the cash is for operational funds and spending, especially in case of an emergency.
Romahurmuziy, who has since resigned from the PPP, was accused of accepting a total of Rp 300million from two officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs who were seeking to pass a job selection process at the ministry’s offices in East Java.
Source: Kompas
Image: Detik News