Former Minister Jero Wacik Detained by KPK

Jakarta Globe, May 05, 2015

Former Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik is shown here
 leaving the headquarters of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)
on July 16, 2014. (Antara Photo/Fanny Octavianus)

Jakarta. Former minister Jero Wacik was detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Tuesday, after finally showing up for questioning in two separate graft cases against him.

Jero had appeared nonchalant when he arrived for questioning at the KPK’s headquarters in South Jakarta.

“KPK is summoning me today, and I answer the summons as a cooperative and law-abiding citizen,” Jero told waiting media ahead of the grilling.

But later in the day he was escorted out of the building wearing an orange detainee vest.

Jero skipped the first three KPK interview requests on the grounds that he had submitted a pretrial motion challenging his corruption status.

However, that was rejected by South Jakarta District Court Judge Sihar Purba last week.

Jero has been accused of abusing his executive power at the Tourism Ministry (2004-09), causing some Rp 7 billion ($539,000) in state losses according to KPK estimates.

He has also been accused of extortion while serving as the energy minister (2011-14). KPK prosecutors allege that Jero has illegally pocketed Rp 10 billion during the latter term.