Indonesian Parliament Speaker Arrested

Setya Novanto, one of Indonesia's most senior politicians, has been arrested on suspicion of causing a $170 million loss to public funds.

According to Reuters, Indonesian Parliament Speaker Setya Novanto was escorted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) from a hospital to a detention area at the agency's headquarters in the capital Jakarta last night (November 19).

Photo: AP

Mr Novanto is one of the most senior politicians in the country to be arrested by the independent KPK. The arrest was delayed for two days because Mr Novanto had to receive treatment for injuries sustained in a car accident the day before.

According to AP, the $170 million is related to the country's electronic identification card program.

Laode Muhammad Syarif, KPK Vice Chairman, said in a video posted on Periscope - the official website of the KPK - that the doctor had confirmed that Mr. Novanto did not need further treatment in the hospital, so there was no need to delay the arrest any further.

In a statement to reporters last night, Mr. Novanto said he was still feeling dizzy after the accident. Mr. Novanto said he suffered injuries to his legs, arms and head.

The official also denied any wrongdoing. However, he repeatedly failed to appear for interrogations requested by the KPK, claiming he was ill and needed heart surgery.

The KPK is currently investigating the loss of about 170 million USD from the state budget, related to the national electronic identification card program./.

According to Vietnamnet.vn