Energy ministry probed for graft

JAKARTA: Police have begun investigating alleged markups in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) by sending letters asking clarification from the related officials in the ministry.

"We have to ask for an explanation from them first before summoning them. If it is just a normal practice then we don't have to continue the investigation. However, we have to investigate the case," said National Police corruption division director Brig. Gen. Indarto.

Media reports have suggested that some officials conducted markups in the audit of state-owned electricity firm PT PLN's generators across the country. The cost for the audit was Rp 14 billion, while the normal fee is only Rp 3.7 billion. --JP