Cancellation of Travel Ban

Kompas/Alif Ichwan

Setya Novanto excuses himself after testifying as a witness in a corruption trial on the procurement of electronic identification (e-KTP) cards at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday (6/4/2017). Two suspects, Irman and Sugiharto, are standing trial in the case. The court hearing on April 6 heard witness testimonies, including those of Setya and former Democratic Party faction leader at the House of Representatives, Anas Urbaningrum, and former House speaker Ade Komarudin.

The House of Representatives (DPR) has asked President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to cancel the order prohibiting House Speaker Setya Novanto from going overseas. The prohibition is considered to have tarnished the House.

The results of a meeting held by the House Consultative Council was disclosed by House Deputy Speaker Fahri Hamzah and quoted in this newspaper on April 12, 2017. An investigator of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has prohibited Novanto, who is also the general chairman of the Golkar Party, from traveling overseas for a period of six months. The reason was explained by KPK deputy chairman Alexander Marwata: "The prohibition was imposed because of the close connection between Novanto and Andi Narogong. Novanto\'s statement will be much needed."