Jusuf Kalla (left) talk with Chariman Nasdem Party Surya Paloh (tengah), Chariman Golkar Party Aburizal Bakrie (right) and Charima of DPD Irman Gusman when attend open house at JK house, Jakartaon Friday (9/8). ANTARA/Saptono
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -Vice President Jusuf Kalla paid a visit to former Regional Representatives Council (DPD) speaker Irman Gusman at Guntur Prison, Central Jakarta, at 9:30 on Thursday, September 29, 2016.
The vice president spokesman Husain Abdullah said Kalla visited Irman as a close friend. “They have known each other for a long time. It’s normal for a friend to visit his friend who is currently in trouble,” he told Tempo on Thursday via text message.
Kalla had small talks with Irman, such as about the latter’s health. Husain said that Kalla had no other intention apart from visiting his close friend. “They had talks in an open space, which is specially designated to receive guests,” he said.
Irman has been named as suspect for allegedly accepting bribes from businessman Xaveriandy Sutanto over sugar import quota from Bulog. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) seized Rp100 million from Irman in a sting operation mid-September. The KPK had rejected bail request filed by Irman’s defense lawyer.
