TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - CEO Lippo Group James Riyadi denied his involvement in the graft case of Meikarta project. He claimed to not aware of the bribe on the mega project of his corporation.

“I personally do not know and have no involvement in the bribe case in Bekasi,” said James post the investigation in the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building, Jakarta, Tuesday, Oct 30.

Earlier, the anti-graft body examined James as the witness in the bribe case of Meikarta project permit for nine suspects. James arrived in the KPK building at 9:30 a.m. and completed the session at 7 p.m.

KPK had previously quizzed 34 witnesses from Lippo Group, Bekasi administration, and West Java provincial administration.

Read: KPK to Probe James Riady for Meikarta Bribe Case Today

James said he had answered 59 questions delivered by KPK investigators and that he would be cooperative during the legal proceedings. “I am ready at any time to give further statements,” he added.

KPK had searched James’s residence on October 18, which was one of the dozen houses that the commission examined on Oct. 17 to 18.

From the search, KPK confiscated evidence of documents, cash, and financial report allegedly related to the Meikarta project graft case. However, the investigator did not find any evidence from James’ residence.

As the report suggested, KPK conducted a sting operation (OTT) in Bekasi and Surabaya on Oct 14 and 15. Post the raid, KPK named Bekasi Regent Neneng Hasanah Yasin and four officials of Bekasi administration as the suspect for receiving bribe money from Lippo Group operational director Billy Sindoro, two consultants, and one official of the company.

M ROSSENO AJI