Assert The Case Is Purely Business, Mardani Maming: I'm Not That Stupid

KPK arrested Mardani Maming bribery and gratification suspect/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - The former regent of Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan (Kalsel) Mardani H. Maming emphasized that the case against him was not a legal problem. He considered the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) wrong.

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.

"The gratification stated is purely a business-to-business issue," said Mardani to reporters, Thursday, July 28.

Mardani claims that business transactions through his company are not related to fraudulent practices. In fact, he paid taxes to prove his business did not violate the criminal code.

"It's impossible for me to be so stupid as to do gratification through transfers, pay taxes, and now it's in PKPU, in debt courts. That means it's purely business to business," he said.

Previously, Mardani Maming was decided by the KPK to be detained for the first 20 days after wearing an orange vest. He was named a suspect for allegedly receiving money amounting to Rp104.3 billion.

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 is still affiliated and managed by 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.