Bondan not involved in Bulogate: Marzuki

JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman cleared former state secretary Bondan Gunawan on Friday of any wrongdoing in the Rp 35 billion State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal.

Marzuki explained that from Bondan's clarification to prosecutors and an assessment made by National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo, it was concluded that Bondan was not involved in the disbursement of money belonging to Bulog's foundation to businessman Suwondo, who is also known as a masseur to the President.

"The chief of police told me that he didn't think Bondan was involved. His statement corroborated my assessment on Bondan's clarification," Marzuki told journalists after a meeting with Rusdihardjo and legislators of the House of Representatives.

Bondan was also "invited" to the Attorney General's Office to clarify his suspected role in the case on Friday morning.

Marzuki said he was requested by the President to ask Bondan for clarification, eight hours before Bondan resigned from his post on May 29.

"I've been asked by the President to inquire about Bondan's alleged involvement in the case. This is a proper measure taken by an attorney general and the session was conducted on the sidelines of the ongoing investigation into the case by the police," Marzuki added.

Separately, Rusdihardjo told journalists, before leaving the Attorney General's Office, that the police had no urgency to summon Bondan.

The Jakarta Police, which are currently handling the case, have named Bulog deputy chairman Sapuan a suspect. The police said it was Sapuan who agreed to disburse the funds to Suwondo in January. Sapuan was dismissed from his post by the President soon after being named a suspect.

Sapuan told investigators that he believed the money was to be used for humanitarian programs in Aceh as requested by President Abdurrahman through Suwondo. The money was transferred to Suwondo in the belief that the latter was acting on the President's behalf, Sapuan claimed. (bby)