Jakarta (ANTARA News) - National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian confirmed that police carried out a search of the Ministry of Transportations office premises on Tuesday and detained several officials for allegedly collecting illegal levies.

"We searched the 6th and 12th floor (of the building) following allegations of illegal levies. President Joko Widodo also reached the location," Karnavian said while speaking at the Ministry of Transportations building here on Tuesday.

The search was led by the Chief of Jakarta Metro Jaya Police, Inspector General Mochamad Iriawan, who was accompanied by several high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Transportation. The operation began at 04:20 p.m. local time.

"My seniors and the Minister of Transportation will further explain the situation. The president will also be present," M. Iriawan said.

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi also confirmed that the search and raid operation was carried out on account of allegations of illegal levies.

"For the last one month, there have been indications that illegal levies were being collected by officials at the Ministry of Transportation for issuance of sea and land permits," the minister informed.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016