Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) found an increase in Coordinating Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa's wealth during his previous five years as state secretary in President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's first term.

The KPK recorded that as of Nov. 23, 2009, Hatta was worth Rp 14.8 billion (US$1.56 million), Rp 5 billion more than five years ago, when he was worth Rp 9.6 billion.

Hatta, a politician with the National Mandate Party (PAN), attributed the increase to the growth of the tax-based value of his property.

"The increase came mostly from the increase in value of my properties," Hatta was quoted as saying by Antara news agency. Most of his wealth also came from his time as a businessman, from 1983 to the 1990s, he went on.

The KPK also disclosed the assets of Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and State Research and Technology Minister Suharna Surapranata.

KPK said Purnomo's wealth as of Dec. 8, 2009, reached Rp 9.66 billion and US$173,000 in foreign reserves, up from Rp 5.85 billion and $172,000. Suharna's wealth stood at Rp 11.1 billion and US$29,000 as of Nov. 9, 2009.