KPK arrests senior 'RRI' official<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested RRI state
\nradio station finance and administration director Suratno on
\nTuesday in connection with a Rp 20 billion (US$2.1 million) graft
\ncase.<\/p>\n
Suratno's lawyer, Bambang Suryowidodo, confirmed the arrest,
\nsaying his client had been declared a suspect several days ago.<\/p>\n
Suratno is being detained at Jakarta Police Headquarters.<\/p>\n
Antara reported that KPK investigators had named Suratno a
\nsuspect in a case centering around the inflated cost of radio
\nequipment used to cover last year's general election.<\/p>\n
Based on the KPK investigation, Suratno embezzled almost half
\nof the Rp 45 billion in procurement funds.<\/p>\n
According to Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) data, the radio
\nstation sought approval from the House of Representatives to
\nincrease the budget for the procurement of radio equipment.<\/p>\n
After House members approved the request, RRI received Rp 45
\nbillion disbursed in two stages by the government.<\/p>\n
The government first disbursed Rp 27.7 billion and the funds
\nwere used to buy broadcasting equipment to be used in eight
\nareas, including Merauke, Toli-toli, Bengkulu, Sintang, Lampung
\nand Makassar.<\/p>\n
ICW calculated that RRI had embezzled around 74 percent of the
\nfunds and later took a bigger portion when the second payment was
\ndisbursed. Based on ICW data, RRI used only Rp 6.1 billion to buy
\nand install the broadcasting equipment.<\/p>\n
Suratno also allegedly received Rp 2 billion in \"gratitude\"
\ntips from Faharani, who represented a private firm supplying and
\ninstalling the radio equipment for RRI.<\/p>\n
Bambang, however, denied an earlier statement from Faharani
\nthat Suratno had asked for a kickback from the private firm.<\/p>\n
Suratno will be charged under Law No. 31\/1999 and Law No.
\n20\/2001 on graft. Faharani, who has been detained since Aug. 1,
\nwill also be charged under the same laws.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/kpk-arrests-senior-rri-official-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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