Arrested By KPK, Mardani Maming Denies Buron: I'm On A Pilgrimage To Wali Songo

Mardani Maming detained by KPK/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - The former regent of Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan (Kalsel) Mardani H. Maming denied that he had disappeared by not attending the summons of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Mardani admitted that he had visited Wali Songo's grave and had asked for a postponement of the investigation as a suspect.

This was conveyed after being named a suspect today. Mardani is currently incarcerated at the KPK detention center because he is accused of bribery and gratification of mining business licenses.

"It's not that I'm missing, but I'm going on a pilgrimage. The Wali Songo pilgrimage ends on July 28 according to my promise and I am present," Mardani told reporters at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Thursday, July 28.

Mardani confirmed that since Monday, July 25, he had sent a letter to the KPK through his attorney. However, he was added to the wanted list (DPO) on Tuesday, July 26.

"On the 25th I sent a letter to the KPK on Monday, I said that I would be present on the 28th after the pretrial was over," he said.

Previously, the KPK announced the status of a suspect as well as detained Mardani Maming, a suspect for receiving bribes and gratuities for obtaining mining business permits in Tanah Bumbu.

In this case, Mardani is suspected of receiving Rp104.3 billion in cash. Not only that, he also created a fictitious company, namely PT Angsana Terminal Utama (ATU), which monopolized the management of ports that support mining operational activities.

The composition of the board of directors and shareholders, said the KPK, is still affiliated with his family.

As a result of his actions, Mardani was then suspected of violating Article 12 letter a or Article 12 letter b or Article 11 of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption as amended by Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 20 of 2001 concerning Amendments to Law -Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) to 1 of the Criminal Code.