Minister Edhy Prabowo Arrested By KPK, KKP: We Cannot Comment

JAKARTA - Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Edhy Prabowo was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in the early hours of this morning. Currently, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has not yet spoken out.

The Special Staff of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Tb Ardi Januar, said that his party was still unable to comment. Even though the KPK has given an official statement, Ardi is still waiting for clarity to be obtained directly from the KPK.

"We cannot comment on anything yet, because the information received is still confusing. We will inform you when there is clarity," Ardi told reporters, Wednesday, November 25.

For information, the Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri confirmed that his men arrested the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Edhy Prabowo.

This arrest was made by the prosecution team after Edhy Prabowo and his entourage arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Cengkareng, Tangerang, to be precise at Terminal 3 of Honolulu, Hawaii, United States.

"Last night KP Minister was secured by the KPK at Soekarno-Hatta Airport 3 when he returned from Honolulu," said Firli in his statement.

The former Deputy for Enforcement said that Edhy was arrested because he was suspected of being involved in corruption in the issuance of the export permit for lobster fries or seeds.

"Now he is at the KPK for questioning. Please give the deputy prosecution team time to work first," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Nurul Ghufron said Edhy's arrest was carried out because of alleged corruption related to the export of lobster fries or seeds.

"The KPK has been arrested in connection with the export of fry," he said.

After carrying out an arrest or hand-arrest operation (OTT), the KPK then has 1x24 hours to determine the legal status of the parties that are secured in this OTT. It is not yet known when the KPK will hold a conference related to this OTT.