KPK questions lawmakers on forest conversion

Jakarta, Suara Indonesia News - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Monday questioned
10 more members of the House of Representatives Commission IV
overseeing forestry in connection with a graft case involving
the conversion of protected forest area in Banyuasin, South
Sumatra, to the Tanjung Api-api seaport.

The KPK has named commission members Yusuf Erwin Faisal, Sarjan
Tahir, Al Amin Nur Nasution and businessman Chandra Antonio Tan
as suspects in the case.

Sarjan and Al Amin are currently on trial in the bribery case.

The KPK questioned as witnesses Azwar Chesputra, Suswono, Robert
Yoppi Cardinal, Sumiati, Imam Syuja', Fachri Andi Leluasa, Mufid
A. Busyairi, Markum Singo Dimejo, Indria Octavia Muaja and
Djoemad Tjiptowardoyo.

The KPK said the 10 were among recipients of Rp 5 billion
(US$506,945) paid in cash by Chandra to secure a contract to
build the seaport.

"I was quizzed as a witness in the graft case, in which Chandra
Antonio Tan has been named suspect," Azwar told reporters.

During the trial of Sarjan last month, the Corruption Court
heard that Azwar had received Rp 450 million from Chandra
between 2006 and 2007.

The court also learned that Azwar had accompanied Al Amin and
Sarjan to a meeting on the conversion plan also attended by
Chandra in October 2006.

However, Azwar of the Golkar Party said he had only received Rp
100 million, which he had given to the KPK about seven months
ago.

Prosperous Justice Party legislator Suswono said he had handed
over some Rp 300 million to the KPK in November 2006 upon
discovering the money had originated from Chandra.

Suswono said he had received the money from Yusuf in two
deliveries and that he had never met with Chandra.

"I did not know him (Chandra) and had never met him because I
never joined in on any trip to South Sumatra," said Suswono.

KPK spokesman Johan Budi said the witnesses were questioned to
gather more information in the case.

Last week, the anti-graft body questioned three other Commission
IV members in connection with the case.

The KPK has arrested six House legislators this year. (RED)