Yusuf Kalla testifies<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Former chief of State Logistics Agency (Bulog)
\nYusuf Kalla said on Tuesday that he once rejected a request to
\ndisburse Rp 10 billion by his deputy, Sapuan, for President
\nAbdurrahman Wahid in the absence of any written request.<\/p>\n
Yusuf told the South Jakarta District Court that Sapuan, who
\nwas on trial for embezzlement, asked for his signature in January
\nto disburse the fund from a Bulog employee's foundation.<\/p>\n
Sapuan, he said, had recounted to him a meeting with the
\nPresident, in which the head of state had requested money for
\nsome humanitarian programs in Aceh.<\/p>\n
Yusuf said he told Sapuan that he would only sign the checks
\nif authorized in writing by the President.<\/p>\n
\"Sapuan violated procedures for failing to report to me about
\nthe disbursement of the money,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Sapuan is being charged with embezzling Rp 35 billion of the
\nfoundation's money. He has denied any wrongdoing, saying that he
\ndisbursed the money in the belief that it was requested by
\nPresident Abdurrahman. The recipient of the money, Suwondo, the
\nPresident's masseur, has been at large since news of the scandal
\nbroke in April.<\/p>\n
Yusuf, who also held the job of minister of industry and
\ntrade, was fired from the Cabinet in April.<\/p>\n
He told the court he was never aware of Sapuan's decision to
\ngo ahead with disbursing the foundation's money although the
\nrelease of any sum above Rp 500 million must have his approval.<\/p>\n
He also said that because of his preoccupation with the
\nMinistry of Industry and Trade, he delegated the day-to-day
\nmanagement of Bulog to Sapuan on Dec. 24.<\/p>\n
Judge Lalu Mariyun adjourned the trial until Thursday. (01)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/yusuf-kalla-testifies-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }