The former finance minister Agus Martowardojo, who currently serves as the Bank Indonesia governor, denied on Tuesday that he knew about alleged irregularities in the electronic identification card (e-KTP) procurement project.

After an eight-hour questioning session with Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators, Agus, who is a witness in the case, said that his responsibility regarding the multi-year project was only in approving the proposed budgetary arrangements. However, planning and supervision of the project was within the purview of the Home Ministry, he added.

"The ministry that proposed the budget was fully responsible [for the project] from its planning to execution," he said after Tuesday's questioning at the KPK headquarters in Jakarta.

Previously, former Democratic Party treasurer Muhammad Nazaruddin, a key witness, claimed that Agus was involved the graft case. According to an audit carried out by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), the alleged irregularities in the project introduced in 2010 inflicted Rp 2 trillion (US$153.42 million) in financial losses on the state.

The KPK has named two suspects so far: the Home Ministry’s former director general for population and civil registration Irman and former population administration information management director at the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration, Sugiharto.

Meanwhile, KPK spokesperson Yuyuk Andriati said the commission would have to question more witnesses before determining whether others could be declared suspects in the case. (fac/dmr)

Source:
courtesy of THE JAKARTA POST

by The Jakarta Post

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