North Sumatra governor detained over graft case

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 10/22/2010

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Friday detained North Sumatra governor Syamsul Arifin in connection with corruption he allegedly committed during his tenure as Langkat regent from 2000 to 2007.

Syamsul Arifin (JP/Apriadi Gunawan)

The alleged graft is estimated to have inflicted Rp 102 billion in losses to the local administration.

After a seven-hour questioning, Syamsul said he was not too surprised by his detention.

“It is partly a risk a leader has to face,” Syamsul told reporters. He declined to comment further.

Syamsul’s attorney, Yoni Agustiono, said his client had conveyed objection to the arrest, citing his health reasons and his duty as the North Sumatra governor.

“However, the investigators rejected his request, saying the mechanism in the commission required them to do so,” Yoni said. (lnd)