TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As a close friend of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama long before he became Jakarta governor, Sunny Tanuwidjaja also happens to be quite chummy with a number of tycoons. Last week, he was banned from traveling overseas due to his suspected involvement in a bribery case over the reclamation project in North Jakarta. Basuki treated Sunny as an intern, but Sunny claimed to be one of Basuki's staff. Last week, he was interviewed by Tempo.

Your ban from travelling overseas was requested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

I found out the day before yesterday from a friend but after the announcement was made, I got a headache.

Do you know why?

I don't know. Sanusi's lawyer accused me of organizing the meeting between his client with the CEO of Agung Podomoro Land, Ariesman Widjaja. Those are made-up charges.

But you did communicate with Sanusi over the regional regulations on reclamation.

I communicated with Sanusi because of his brains about this issue. Others don't know as much. I came to him because the hearing on the regulations kept getting postponed. The chances were that it faced a block because of the 15 percent. That's clear.

Did Sanusi ask your help to influence Basuki?

He said this and that. I don't remember everything.

How often did you discuss about reclamation with the governor?

A few times. That's why I said, at every meeting, the governor never promised 100 percent. He just said okay.

Did you arrange the meeting between Ariesman and Basuki?

Arisman met him at the office, but infrequently. I forget what they talked about. When Ariesman wanted to meet the governor, he would do it through me. Sometimes, he did it directly.

Reportedly, you also communicate often with Sugianto Kusuma alias Aguan.

Yes, a few times. Some took place at the office; at other times, outside while eating pempek. During the time when the regional regulation was being debated, talks between him and the governor were never anything concrete. The governor is a very relaxed person, but he's very strict about regulations. (*)