Gus Dur files complaint against Amien

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid filed a defamation complaint at Jakarta Police Headquarters against People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais on Friday.

Representing Gus Dur, lawyers Nur Chaeroni Ali, Iskandar and Suharmono filed the police complaint, stating that Amien had recently made "slanderous public accusations" against Gus Dur, when he stated that the latter, during his presidency, had allegedly demanded a Rp 15 billion (US$1.5 million) bribe from an official at the Ministry of Finance.

"This is in regard to the Jakarta Convention Center incident on May 2. Amien said in public that during Gus Dur's presidency, he had allegedly demanded Rp 15 billion from a finance ministry director general, if the latter wanted to keep his position at the Ministry of Finance," Nur Chaeroni said.

"That's a lie."

The lawyers added that they intended to file a lawsuit on behalf of Gus Dur as well, against Amien, over the matter.

On May 2, Amien attended a national discussion on Indonesia's economic rehabilitation program. On the sidelines of the program, Amien had commented on the rampant corruption in Indonesia, particularly during Gus Dur's presidency.

The MPR speaker cited an example involving a high-ranking official at the finance ministry, which was then led by Bambang Sudibyo.

"Gus Dur called Bambang and asked him to draw up an official transfer order for the director-general ... Bambang said he would draw up the transfer order," Amien said.

"Subsequently, Gus Dur called the director-general and told him that he was going to be transferred. Gus Dur said that if he wanted to keep his job, he would have to give Gus Dur Rp 15 billion. This is a true story. If you do not believe me, ask Bambang Sudibyo." -- JP