House may probe ballot box tender

JAKARTA: A member of House of Representatives (DPR) Commission II for home and legal affairs called on the commission on Wednesday to launch an investigation into alleged manipulation in the ballot box tender.

Agun Gunandjar Sudarsa said that the alleged manipulation was carried out by a network consisting of businesspeople, General Elections Commission (KPU) members and fellow House commission members.

"There are indications of the involvement of Commission II members in the procurement of ballot boxes. I demand the commission set up a team of inquiry," he told the media at the House complex.

Agun refused to disclose the names of legislators alleged to be implicated, saying he would do so at the right time.

He added that the actors in KPU had no hesitation in abusing the public tender because they had the support of legislators.

His statement came one day after activists from Jakarta Development Watch (Jadewa) voiced similar concern during a meeting with Commission II leaders.

Jadewa director Santoso AS alleged that some members of House Commission II were involved in the ballot box procurement tender.

The allegation enraged Commission II deputy chairman Abdul Rahman Gaffar, who threatened to report the alleged libel to the police.

Moreover, Agun was disappointed with the KPU because it had asked Commission II to delay a hearing scheduled for Thursday.

Commission II deputy chairman Ferry Mursyidan Baldan confirmed that he had received a letter from KPU to delay the hearing until Nov. 17. - JP