Indonesian deputy law and human rights minister resigns amid graft scandal

Report says Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej is allegedly involved in IDR7 bil corruption case

Indonesian Deputy Law and Human Rights Minister Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej (pic) has stepped down amid allegations of corruption involving IDR7 billion. – Sekretariat Kabinet Republik Indonesia pic, December 8, 2023

JAKARTA – President Joko Widodo has accepted the resignation of deputy minister Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej, who stepped down amid allegations of corruption with an ongoing investigation by the Corruption Eradication Commission.

The deputy law and human rights minister formally submitted his resignation letter on Monday while the president was engaged in official duties in East Nusa Tenggara. 

“The president received Edward Omar’s resignation letter today,” stated Ari Dwipayana, the presidential special staff coordinator, as quoted by the RRI news portal yesterday.

He added that Joko Widodo promptly signed the presidential decision for dismissal. 

Edward Omar, who has been identified as a suspect, has filed a pretrial against the Corruption Eradication Commission at the South Jakarta District Court. The commission, however, has not yet disclosed the details of the ongoing investigation. 

The case, originating from a report by Indonesia Police Watch, alleges that Edward Omar received gratuities of IDR7 billion (approximately RM2.1 million) linked to assistance in the legal entity approval of PT Citra Lampia Mandiri, overseen by the ministry’s legal administration affairs. – December 8, 2023