'House secretariat violates decree'

JAKARTA: Many irregularities have come to light with projects involving the House of Representatives secretariat, causing huge state losses, according to one person.

A source who requested anonymity said on Friday many projects worth at least Rp 50 million ($5,800) were given to companies appointed by officials within the secretariat.

Presidential Decree No. 18/2000 stipulates that a public tender must be carried out for projects worth more than Rp 50 million.

The source said that the recent installation of cable television infrastructure worth approximately Rp 2 billion ($235,000) in the Kalibata legislative housing complex and the procurement of computers worth Rp 13 billion ($1.5 million) had been won by companies without tenders.

Some other projects were given to companies recommended by a man close to the deputy secretary-general, the source said.

The House secretary-general was not available for comment. -- Antara