SE Sulawesi governor named suspect in mining graft case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has declared Southeast Sulawesi Governor Nur Alam as suspect in alleged graft case in relation to the issuance nickel mining permits in two regencies in the province during the period of 2009-2014, Kompas reported on Wednesday.

KPK alleged Nur of violating existing regulations in the issuance of the mining permits and of receiving kickbacks.

KPK Deputy Chairman Laode Muhammad Syarif was quoted by Kompas as saying that Nur had breached his authority when issuing permits for mining exploration and mine reserves area.

In addition, there was a violation of existing regulations in the issuance of production operation mining business permit for PT AnugrahHarismaBarakah, which owns nickel mine in Buton Regency and Bombana Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.

?It is suspected that the approval and the issuance of the permits have not been made in accordance with the existing regulations, and that there were kickbacks received by the Southeast Sulawesi governor,? Syarif said. (*)