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This Article is From May 22, 2014

Indonesia's Religious Minister Named Graft Suspect

Indonesia's Religious Minister Named Graft Suspect
File Photo of the National Flag of Indonesia
Jakarta, Indonesia: Indonesia's anti-graft agency says the country's religious affairs minister is a suspect in a corruption case alleging mismanagement of funds for last year's Hajj pilgrimage.

Suryadharma Ali, who also leads the Islamic-based United Development Party, was suspected to have abused his power by enriching himself or other people.

Corruption Eradication Commission spokesman Johan Budi said Thursday a total of $86.7 million was spent for the 2012-13 pilgrimage. He said the amount suspected of being misspent was still being calculated.

Ali is the second active Cabinet minister in President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's second term to be named as a corruption suspect.

In December 2012, sports minister Andi Alfian Mallarangeng was suspected of mismanaging the construction of a $122 million sports complex.

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