State Enterprises Minister Mustafa Abubakar has confirmed allegations that he and his wife flew to China for an official visit on board a private Indonesian tycoon The aircraft - an alleged indiscretion Eradication Commission says that the corruption could amount to an illegal gratuity.
Mustafa said that he was an offer of tempointeraktif.com Risjad Ibrahim, one of the richest men in Indonesia, agreed to fly to China on Saturday for a three day visit.
"Yes, I went to Shanghai and Xian. Actually I had planned to fly with Garuda at 11.45, but Pak Ibrahim Risjad offered [to fly aboard his private jet] so I went with him," Mustafa told the news portal.
But he said that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had given him permission to do so.
"My wife came to me because Pak Ibrahim asked her," he said. "He was my senior while I was in Aceh. We have cultural relations. I could not say no, "said Mustafa.
He said the scheme had saved the State money.
Mustafa said he was the details of the journey to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to be provided.
"I have a declaration of the KPK asked and I will report in accordance with the mechanisms," he said.
KPK deputy chairman Haryono Umar confirmed the minister had informed them of the flight.
"This can be regarded as an illegal gifts and we told him," Haryono said on Friday. Mustafa "had informed the KPK orally [Thursday], namely the management of the tips. We are waiting for him to the facility formal writing."
Haryono added that the KPK had to sign forms Mustafa Mustafa fill "has to inform us what the exact intentions were given giver. Is the device connected to his duties as a minister? If we see that there is a conflict of interest , must be returned gratuity one way or another. "
Risjad Ibrahim, 76, is the owner of the agribusiness company Risjadson Group.
According to the Globe Asia Magazine 2010 Rich List, the tycoon, worth 326 million U.S. dollars, is Indonesia's 48th richest person. He manages 48,000 hectares of oil palm plantations in North Sumatra and Aceh.
Mustafa, an Aceh, the former directors of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) and a former interim governor of the province of Aceh. He is a former agricultural adviser.
