Gas stove included in official's assets list

JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) deputy speaker A.M. Fatwa blamed complex bureaucracy as the main reason for his tardiness in declaring his assets to the Public Servants Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN).

Citing his experience, the politician disclosed on Tuesday that he had to return to his hometown in Bone, South Sulawesi, just to obtain a document for a small piece of land he had inherited from his parents years ago.

"Unfortunately, the commission does not require that I list my stove and cupboard," said Fatwa.

He said he was only able to submit his list of assets last week.

"I was one month late in submitting my form," Fatwa said as quoted by Antara.

In contrast to Fatwa's remark about the stove, the head of Food and Drug Control Agency (BPOM), Sampurno, included two gas stoves in the list he submitted to the audit commission.

In his declared assets of Rp 1.6 billion, Sampurno also reported he possessed a stock of medicines and dispensary equipment valued at about Rp 94.4 million.

In its latest weekly report, released on Tuesday, the commission also disclosed the wealth of the Cabinet's newest member, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Baharuddin Lopa, along with 96 other state officials.

Lopa's newest asset is his Rp 100-million Soluna Toyota sedan which he bought last year. The total assets of Lopa, who joined the Cabinet in March, include eight properties, and two plantations, valued at Rp 2 billion, as well as a bank deposit of US$20,000.

The Supreme Court, which is facing mounting allegations of rampant corruption practices, was also included in the publication, with the inclusion of its seven supreme justices.

With a total assets of Rp 1.6 billion and a bank account worth $47,668, Justice R. Sunu Wahadi is the wealthiest in the list.

Chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council Achmad Tirtosudiro declared that he owned land and property worth Rp 3.9 billion, vehicles worth over Rp 337 million, jewelry worth Rp 55 million, bank drafts and securities to the value of Rp 2.2 billion and a bank account of $131,536.

A member of the People's Consultative Assembly, Abdul Gafur, owns property valued at Rp 9.8 billion, vehicles worth Rp 1.25 billion, jewelry and art pieces worth Rp 481 million, Rp 4.587 billion in bank drafts and securities, and $1,000 in cash. He said he has debts amounting to Rp 25 million. (prb)