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.