KPK summons former top MEMR official again, detains Kaltim Parna?s boss

The Corruption Eradiacation Commission (KPK) summoned again Waryono Karno, former Secretary General of the ministry of energy and mineral resources (MEMR) on Wednesday and detained Artha Meris Simbolon, President Director of petrochemical firm PT Kaltim Parna Industri (KPI).

Waryono arrived at the KPK office on Wednesday morning for questioning related to the accusations that he had received gratuity and was implicated in the embezzlement of the MEMR?s 2012 budget for procurement of goods and services, which according to KPK resulted in the state losses amounting to Rp 9.8 billion, according to the local media.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, KPK officially detained Artha after interrogating her for around nine hours, according to Kompas.

She was named a suspect by KPK on May 14 in a bribery case involving former SKK Migas Chairman Rudi Rubiandini. The court has sentenced Rudi seven years in jail for accepting bribes from several people, including from Artha. According to the court?s ruling. Artha provided Rudi with US$522,500 with an expectation that he will recommend the MEMR lower the price of gas supplies to KPI?s plant in East Kalimantan.

?She will be detained for the first 20 days at KPK?s detention house,? KPK?s spokesman Johan Budi said.

Artha?s lawyer Otto Hasibuan claimed that his client was not guilty since Rudi has never admitted to receiving any money from Artha. (*)