KPU chief further implicated in alleged graft case
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
General Elections Commission (KPU) chief Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin was once again dealt a body blow on Monday that should make it harder for him to prove his innocence as another senior KPU official corroborated his role in alleged massive graft at the commission.
Former commission secretary-general Safder Yusaac told reporters on Monday after hours of questioning by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) that Nazaruddin had given a verbal instruction to raise Rp 20 billion (US$2.10 million) in "tactical funds."
These funds, largely collected in kickbacks from companies that supplied electoral materials, were intended to be shared out with KPU members and secretariat officials, legislators and officials of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK).
"Yes, the collection of tactical funds was verbally ordered by Pak Nazaruddin to be used to improve the welfare of KPU members," Safder said, adding that the instruction to collect the kickbacks could not be delegated to anyone else.
He also admitted to personally giving money to the BPK when it started auditing the KPU's use of a Rp 3.9 trillion for the holding of last year's general elections.
However, Safder did not clarify whether the payment had been suggested by the KPU or the BPK.
Safder's admissions follow previous ones by KPU deputy secretary-general Sussongko Suhardjo and treasurer Hamdani Amin, who said Nazaruddin had ordered them to collect funds from supplier firms, and to pay the BPK.
Both Sussongko and Hamdani have been declared suspects by the KPK, along with KPU member Mulyana W. Kusumah, who was caught red-handed proffering a bribe during a meeting.
Mulyana has also said that part of the money used to bribe the BPK was approved by Nazaruddin.
Nazaruddin has denied any knowledge or involvement in such activities, although he said late last week that he might have heard about a bribery plan but chose to ignore it.
Hamdani said a total of Rp 520 million was paid in four installments to the BPK. The first two payments were made by Safder, while the last two were made by KPU deputy treasurer M. Dentjik.
On Monday, former legislator Hamdan Zoelva, now with the Star Reform Party (PBR), visited the KPK office to meet with KPK chief Taufiequrrahman Ruki, who was absent at the time.
Hamdan refused to make any comment, despite suspicion that he had come to return part of the "tactical funds". Hamdani previously said that a total of Rp 100 million had been shared with legislators.
Meanwhile, KPU member Anas Urbaningrum confirmed on Monday that all KPU members had received honorariums in addition to their salaries, but claimed the payments were above board.
"It was official. I can't say if they were legitimate or not, as this concerns a matter of legal definition. But all of the receipts and copies are official," he said.
Anas said these honorariums, which were paid by the KPU treasurer, had also been reported to the BPK and were based on a KPU regulation.
It now appears that the KPU chairman and deputy chairmen received Rp 14.5 million, while members received Rp 12.5 million each -- as well as a transportation allowance equivalent to 200 liters of gas per month.
"The KPU deputy was involved in all the working groups, and the chairman and members were involved based on their job descriptions," Anas explained.