Suspects named in exam leaks

JAKARTA (JP): At least eight Ministry of National Education staff members have been identified as the source of the leak of the nationwide senior high school final examinations (Ebtanas).

Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin claimed that apart from money, the mastermind of the plan was motivated by revenge after being removed from his previous "lucrative" post at the ministry.

He added that the allegations were based on an investigation conducted by a joint team from the ministry and city police.

Yahya said the eight people were all staff members of the ministry's Directorate General of Elementary and Secondary Education.

He declined to identify them, but said they included officials and honorarium staff.

"But I can't give you the names right now since the police have yet to officially announce the suspects. I promise I'll give you their names, the chronology and everything by June 20 at the latest," Yahya told reporters at his office after the Friday prayer.

The Ministry of National Education recently found a leak in several high schools in Jakarta and Greater Jakarta, resulting in some 3,500 students at 55 schools having to retake their examinations last week.

"I can only say that these people deliberately leaked it. And the motive was not only money, but also revenge," Yahya said.

According to Yahya, the senior official who masterminded the scam was bitter at being removed.

"But all of them have been questioned by the team and admitted the charge," he said, adding that strong sanctions would be taken, depending on their degree of involvement. (09)