Finance Minister Purbaya will not suspend Customs Director General despite KPK involvement

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured that he will not suspend the Director General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) Djaka Budhi Utama, as they await the ongoing legal process, despite his name appearing in the indictment in the Blueray Cargo case owned by the defendant John Field. “No (suspension). Until it is clear what happens there. The (legal) process has only just begun. His name has just appeared; we can’t stop immediately. We will see until it is clear, as clear as possible what the case is, then we will take action,” said Purbaya when met at the Ministry of Finance office in Jakarta on Thursday. The Finance Minister said he has communicated with Djaka and ensured that the Customs and Excise Director General will respect the ongoing legal process. Purbaya also stated that the Ministry of Finance will provide legal assistance to Djaka if needed during the legal proceedings. Previously, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance stated that it respects the court’s legal process which implicates Djaka Budhi Utama’s name in the indictment of the alleged corruption case of importing counterfeit goods. Head of Customs Public Relations and Outreach Subdivision Budi Prasetiyo said his side continues to uphold the presumption of innocence principle. “Since this case has entered the trial stage, to respect and maintain the independence of that process, we will not comment on the substance of the case,” said Budi in a written statement in Jakarta on Thursday.