Suspects named in exam leaks

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)