E-KTP case goes to trial

JAKARTA. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is set to reveal details behind alleged irregularities in the first court hearing in the electronic identity card (e-KTP) graft case on March 9 at the Jakarta Corruption Court.

“We will deliver the facts that indicate irregularities in the e-KTP case, starting from budgeting procedure up to the alleged flow of funds to parties that led to state losses,” KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.

The KPK questioned around 200 witnesses, including several lawmakers, regarding the Rp 5.9 trillion (US$ 443 million) project, which caused Rp 2.3 trillion in state losses.

During the first hearing, the prosecutors will read out the indictments against two suspects, Home Ministry officials Irman and Sugiharto.

Febri added that in the investigation, 14 members of the House of Representatives had returned money allegedly used to bribe them in deliberation on the e-KTP project.

“It is regulated in the 1999 Corruption Law but still we appreciate the cooperation [returning the money] and the information they gave investigators,” he said.

Big names will be mentioned during the trial as the KPK summoned House Speaker Setya Novanto and former home minister Gamawan Fauzi during its investigation.