KPK likely to name other suspects in e-KTP case

JAKARTA. As its investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of electronic identification (e-KTP) cards has intensified, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will likely identify more suspects in the case in the near future, the antigraft body’s top official said on Tuesday.

KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo said the commission’s ongoing investigation might lead to the naming of several other people as suspects in the case.

“The estimated state loss is immense, amounting to about Rp 2.3 trillion [US$175.84 million]. It’s impossible that only two people enjoyed such a huge sum of money,” he told reporters after attending the inauguration of Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) officers on Tuesday.

The commissioner referred to the Development Finance Comptroller’s (BPKP) finding on the state losses caused by irregularities in the Rp 6 trillion e-KTP project in 2010.

The KPK has named two suspects in the case so far. They are the Home Ministry’s former director general for population and civil registration, Irman, and Sugiharto, former population administration information management director at the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration.

“We are carrying out further investigations to seek sufficient evidence to name others as suspects. As you have noticed, we have summoned many people," Agus said.

Former Democratic Party treasurer Muhammad Nazaruddin, a key witness in the case, claimed that many high-ranking officials were involved in the alleged graft cases, including former finance minister Agus Martowardojo, who currently serves as Bank Indonesia governor, and Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto.

The BI governor was among the witnesses, along with Chairuman Harahap, former chairman of the House of Representatives’ Commission II overseeing home affairs, the KPK has summoned.