Goro indictments to be heard soon

Goro indictments to be heard soon

JAKARTA (JP): The indictments of the former chief of the State
Logistics Agency (Bulog), Beddu Amang, and a senior executive at
wholesaler PT Goro Batara Sakti, Ricardo Gelael, will be heard at
the South Jakarta District Court on Monday next week, a judge
said on Wednesday.

Judge Samsoeddin A.B. said the indictment of businessman
Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former
president Soeharto, would be heard the following week.

"I myself will hear the indictment of Beddu Amang," Samsoeddin
said.

He said the indictment of Ricardo would be heard Judge Jalius
Amin while Tommy's indictment would be heard by the chief judge
of the court, Soenarto.

Tommy, Beddu and Ricardo are being indicted for their alleged
roles in the sale of Bulog-owned land in Kelapa Gading, North
Jakarta, which inflicted losses of Rp 96 billion to the state.

The property was bought by Goro, in which Tommy held shares.

Under the deal between Goro and Bulog, the agency was supposed
to receive a 63-hectare plot in Marunda, North Jakarta, worth an
estimated Rp 52.5 billion, in exchange for the Kelapa Gading
site.

However, Bulog only received eight hectares of land, for which
it paid Rp 32.5 billion despite a stipulation in the agreement
obliging Goro to pay for the land.

Bulog also guaranteed a loan of Rp 20 billion for Goro to
purchase the plot in Marunda. Goro received the loan from Bank
Bukopin.

The Attorney General's Office has barred Tommy, Beddu and
Ricardo from traveling outside of the city. (jun)