TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' Director General for Coal and Mineral Resources, Bambang Gatot Ariyono, as a part of the anti-graft commission's investigation into the suspected case of corruption and abuse of power by the Governor of Southeast Sulawesi, Nur Alam, in the issuance of mining permit (IUP) in Southeast Sulawesi between 2008-2014.

"Bambang came in to be questioned for Nur Alam," said KPK's acting Head of Public Relations, Yuyuk Andriati in Jakarta on Friday.

Bambang came to KPK's Headquarters at 10:00 Jakarta time, but refused to comment about his questioning. In addition to Bambang, KPK is scheduled to question an employee of PT Billy Indonesia, Suharto Martosuroyo.

KPK has issued a travel ban for Nur Alam, as well as the Head of Southeast Sulawesi's Energy and Mineral Resources Agency, Burhanuddin, the Director of PT Billy Indonesia, Widdi Aswindi, as well as the owner of PT Billy Indonesia, Emi Sukiati Lasimon.

Nur Alam is suspected of abusing his position to enrich himself, others, and/or a corporation by issuing concessions and mining permits for PT Anugerah Harisma Barakah, a nickel-mining company that operates in the regency of Buton and Bombana in Southeast Sulawesi.

The Governor is suspected to have violated Law No. 31/1999, as amended by Law No. 20/2001 on Corruption eradication, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and a maximum fine of Rp1 billion.

A report issued by the Financial Transactions Reporting and Analysis Centre (PPATK) in 2013, stated that Nur Alam is suspected of having received bribes amounting to US$4.5 million - equivalent to Rp50 billion - from Richcorp International. The bribes were transferred through a bank in Hong Kong, as well as through three AXA-Mandiri insurance policies.

Richcorp International - through its' subsidiary PT Realluck International Ltd - is known to have bought the mines from PT Billy Indonesia.

ANTARA