Answering Karen Agustiawan's Defense After Detention, KPK: We Have Evidence

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) ensures that it will not arbitrarily determine and detain someone in a corruption case. The evidence has been pocketed before forced efforts are made, including the former President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), Karen Agustiawan.

This was conveyed by KPK Deputy Chairman Alexander Marwata in response to Karen's rebuttal after she was officially detained as a suspect in alleged corruption in the procurement of liquefied natural gas (LNG). He said there was evidence that could be tested before the panel of judges at the corruption court.

"Based on the adequacy of the evidence, we believe that a criminal incident occurred and based on sufficient evidence, we also believe that KA is the perpetrator of a criminal act of corruption," Alexander told reporters quoted from the Indonesian KPK YouTube, Friday, September 22.

Alexander said Karen as a suspect did have the right to defend himself. However, all statements will be tested with the testimony of other witnesses who will be summoned.

So far, the anti-corruption commission has summoned a number of witnesses in this case. They include the Director of Gas of PT Pertamina, Hari Karyulianto and Commissioner, Nurdin Zainal.

"It is permissible to defend ourselves and so on but of course when we at the KPK determine the person concerned as a suspect we also have sufficient basis and evidence," he said.

As previously reported, Karen claimed that the board of directors of the state-owned company knew about the procurement of LNG. He denied playing alone like accusations by the KPK.

"It has been approved by all directors collectively collegially and legally because it wants to continue what is stated in the national strategic project," Karen told reporters at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Tuesday, September 19.

Not only that, Karen also mentioned that three consultants were involved. "There was a due diligence (review to find facts)," he said.

In addition, he ensured that the government was aware of this procurement process. In fact, Dahlan Iskan, the Minister of SOEs for the 2011-2014 period, knew and agreed.

"Pak Dahlan knows, because Mr. Dahlan is in charge," said Karen.