KPK remains tight-lipped on Puteh probe

KPK remains tight-lipped on Puteh probe

Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta

Embattled Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh again appeared at the
office of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Monday,
where KPK officials asked him dozens of questions about his role
in the alleged markup in the purchase of a Russian helicopter.

Although the investigation is now a month old, the commission
has yet to signal when the case will be brought to court. After
questioning Puteh, the KPK officials remained tight-lipped over
the progress of its investigation.

Following the questioning, Puteh told journalists that he was
asked some 35 questions, most of which were related to meetings
that were held before the Aceh provincial administration decided
to purchase the helicopter.

"All of the questions were merely following up on earlier
questions," Puteh said during an impromptu press conference
following the questioning.

He declined to elaborate, but said he would appear at the KPK
office for further questioning. Puteh has appeared at the office
several times over the last month for questioning in the alleged
graft case.

Puteh is accused of playing a central role in the alleged
markup in the purchase of the helicopter by the Aceh
administration in 2002, which reportedly cost the state Rp 4
billion (US$5.4 million) in losses.

Earlier on Monday, Puteh's lawyer O.C. Kaligis said his client
had submitted additional supporting documents to the KPK's
investigative team, including documents on meetings that were
held between the governor and several regents prior to the
purchase of the helicopter.

"Based on these documents, it is clear that the purchase of
the helicopter was agreed to by all of the councillors as well as
the regents. The documents also show that all parties agreed to
disburse the funds (for the purchase) from regency budgets,"
Kaligis said.

Besides investigating Puteh, who has links to the Golkar
Party, the KPK has also questioned several other Aceh officials
over the case.

However, many observers have expressed doubt over the
possibility of the investigation being successfully concluded,
saying several of the country's top officials benefited from the
alleged mark-up.

Puteh is still acting as Aceh governor, although his powers as
governor and the administrator of the civil emergency in the
province have been effectively stripped by a recent presidential
instruction.

Aceh Deputy Governor Azwar Abubakar has been appointed to run
the Aceh administration, while Aceh Police chief Insp. Gen.
Bachrumsyah Kasman has been appointed to oversee the integrated
operations in the province, including security operations.

Once the KPK completes its investigation into Puteh, the case
will be brought to the Corruption Court, which was recently
established to allow for the speedy hearing of corruption cases
handled by the KPK.

Among the state officials implicated in high-profile
corruption cases being handled by the KPK, Puteh is the first
officially to be declared a suspect.