Akbar Tandjung

Akbar Tandjung clarifies

From Bisnis Indonesia

I would like to clarify reports appearing in several dailies on Oct. 12, 2001, regarding the use of non-budgeted funds of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

I have never stated that I received the above agency's funds of Rp 40 billion.

The real fact is that I, as the state secretary minister at the time, asked staff of the Bulog chief to directly hand over the said amount to the management of a foundation, who was also present.

This foundation had been recommended by the related minister to execute a food supply program in accordance with the then government's policy.

Therefore, the reports saying that I had personally received such funds are entirely incorrect.

It was former president Soeharto's policy to make use of non- budgeted Bulog funds for humanitarian purposes in the form of a food supply program. In its execution, the funds were channeled through the state secretary minister in coordination with the relevant minister.

As such, I would like to emphasize that my function as the state secretary minister at the time was only to execute the former president's instructions.

AKBAR TANDJUNG

Jakarta