DPR probes bribery allegations<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the House of Representatives Akbar
\nTandjung ordered an immediate investigation on Wednesday into
\nrumors that members of Commission IX had taken bribes from state-
\nowned Bank Mandiri.<\/p>\n
Rumors of the bribery came from commission members who said
\nthey were offered the money during a visit to the bank on
\nTuesday.<\/p>\n
One legislator, who requested anonymity, said he rejected the
\noffer, amounting to Rp 5 million. \"But other legislators took the
\nmoney,\" he told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Another legislator confirmed the bribery offer, but said the
\namount ranged from Rp 10 million to Rp 15 million, and the money
\nwas directly transferred to their bank accounts.<\/p>\n
Others said that the House's secretariat had collected the
\nbank account numbers of the commission members ahead of the visit
\nand therefore presumed that these had been given to their hosts
\nduring the working visit.<\/p>\n
Members of Commission IX, which oversees finance and
\ndevelopment affairs, visited Bank Mandiri and Bank BNI head
\noffices on Tuesday during which they met with management. Such
\nworking visits are normal during the House's recess period.<\/p>\n
Bank Mandiri's president Robby Djohan had been rumored to be
\nfacing the axe from State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana
\nSukardi, a subject that was also discussed during the meeting
\nbetween Commission IX members and the management.<\/p>\n
Commission chairman Sukowaluyo Mintohardjo denied any
\nknowledge of bribery. \"There is nothing to tell or deny. It did
\nnot happen,\" he told reporters.<\/p>\n
Hamka Yadhu, another commission member, dismissed the rumors.
\n\"I've checked my bank account and there was no such transfer,\" he
\nsaid, and quipped: \"Perhaps, it has not reached my account yet.\"<\/p>\n
Akbar, nevertheless, was enraged at the allegations and
\nproposed the establishment of an honorary council to look into
\nthem.<\/p>\n
He said accepting money or gifts was a violation of the code
\nof ethics of members. (rms)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dpr-probes-bribery-allegations-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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