TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Following her suspect naming by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Subang Regent Imas Aryumningsih denied that she accepted any form of bribe. She maintained that she was just relaxing at home when she was arrested by KPK investigators.

“I swear to God that I did not accept anything,” said Imas on Thursday, February 15. She allegedly accepted a bribe for a factory construction permit.

According to Imas, any land and factory plant permit affairs should be the jurisdiction of Subang’s new Investment and Promotion Office (BPMP). She also said that she was merely permitting any investors that are interested to invest in Subang.

“I allow and give permits to any investor that enters Subang. But I don’t handle the affairs,” said Imas.

Other than Imas, an official at Subang Regency administration and two people from the private sector are suspected of accepting bribe money regarding the plant construction in Subang.

The individual from the private sector who gave the bribe, MTH, is charged with Article 5 or Article 13 of Law No. 31 (1999) on the eradication of corruption as stated in the Criminal Code (KUHP).

At the sting operation held yesterday, KPK also arrested the head of Subang's investment board (DPMPTSP) with the initials ‘S’, one state administrator’s aide, and a driver. The anti-graft agency has arrested eight people in total.

KPK also confiscated Rp377,318,000 and a document proving the transaction. However, KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah explained that this case is still under investigation.

Alfan Hilmi