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)