Dangerous precedent

Dangerous precedent

From Media Indonesia

The acquittal of Akbar Tandjung in his corruption case has established a dangerous precedent, in the sense that the court decision may serve as the reference for a future trial. In the case involving Akbar the Supreme Court decision has thus made legal the spending of state funds by a public official without fulfilling proper requirements and procedures.

By virtue of this precedent, the Supreme Court has effectively giving a green light to large-scale corruption by the same mode of operation.

What makes me wonder is why the Supreme Court, in making the decision, failed to mention that Akbar Tandjung had ordered State Logistics Agency (Bulog) staff to divide the questionable Rp 40 billion into eight checks. Nor did it refer to the interest accruing from the money for almost three years, which was held by another defendant.

In my opinion, the Supreme Court decision in this case is the outcome of malpractice by the judiciary.

ABDUL RACHIN Jakarta