Indonesian Minister Named as Suspect in Bribe Charge

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has formally named Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo as a suspect in taking bribes related to fisheries and business permits, or fisheries management or marine commodities this year.

Edhy was arrested alongside his family members and other officials from the ministry upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta early Wednesday from a working visit to Hawaii.

During a series of sting operations in Jakarta, Depok, and the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, KPK apprehended 17 people.

After undergoing intensive questioning, Edhy was later named as a suspect along with five other ministry officials and a businessman.

Also read: Indonesian Minister Edhy Prabowo Arrested Over Lobster Seed Export

“KPK has named seven suspects in this case. EP [Edhy Prabowo] allegedly takes a bribe,” said KPK deputy chairman Nawawi Pomolango during a press conference in the KPK building late Wednesday evening.

Five others who were named as suspects for allegedly taking bribes comprised Safri, an expert staff of the minister, Siswadi, a company representative of PT Aero Citra Kargo, and Ainul Faqih, a staffer to the minister’s wife. Also, another expert staff of the minister Andreau Pribadi Misata and another person identified as Amiril Mukminin.

Meanwhile, the alleged bribe-giver was Suharjito, director of PT Dua Putra Perkasa, KPK said.

Edhy and other suspects were seen wearing orange KPK detention vests. Edhy is accused of receiving about 3.4 billion rupiahs ($240,000) from several companies through his assistants.

The alleged bribe takers violated Article 12, paragraph (1) letter a or letter b or Article 11 of Law on Eradication of Corruption Crimes in conjunction with Article 55, paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 64, paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.