Pertamina corruption case goes on

Pertamina corruption case goes on

JAKARTA: The Attorney General's office said on Monday it would continue to probe corruption charges in a contract between state oil and gas firm Pertamina and PT Ustraindo, despite the death of several suspects.

Head of the information center at the Attorney General's Office Barman Zahir said that two of four suspects had recently died: former Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana and former Pertamina president Faisal Abda'oe.

There are still two suspects, former minister of mines and energy Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Ustraindo president Praptono Ciptohupoyo, a relative of former president Soeharto's late wife, according to him.

He added his office would summon Ginandjar next month.

The technical assistance contract (TAC) between Pertamina and Ustraindo violates regulations, as under the contract, Ustraindo were freed from paying costs, which, according to TAC regulations should have been borne by Ustraindo.

The TAC reportedly caused the state to lose some US$23.3 million.-Antara