Hamid to become KPU trial witness

Hamid to become KPU trial witness

JAKARTA: Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin
is to appear in court as a witness in the graft trial of General
Elections Commission (KPU) finance head Hamdani Amin.

"Hamid Awaluddin will become a witness. We'll listen to what
he has to say," Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) head
Tumpak Hatorangan Panggabean said.

He could not say when Hamdani's trial would begin.

The KPK is investigating the high-profile case, which centers
on the abuse of state funds during last year's elections. The
trial has also seen top KPU executives accused of collecting
kickbacks from private companies that won business contracts from
the commission.

Hamdani had previously said the kickbacks were distributed to
all KPU members, including its chairman. Hamid is a former KPU
member and for the past few months has been busy leading a
government team to negotiate a peace deal with the leaders of the
Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Helsinki.

Hamid denied receiving funds from Hamdani during a previous
seven-hour questioning session by the KPK. -- JP