ICW reports graft case in 'TVRI'

ICW reports graft case in 'TVRI'

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) reported state-run television
TVRI on Thursday to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)
in connection with allegations of markups that reportedly cost
the taxpayer some Rp 7.2 billion (US$720,000).

The markups were connected with procurements by the
broadcasting company in 2004.

"The procurements were valued at a total of Rp 16.9 billion,
but after an investigation it was found that only Rp 9.7 billion
was actually paid out. So, there are indications that the amounts
involved were marked up by around 74 percent," ICW deputy
coordinator Lucky Djani said.

He was speaking to journalists at the KPK offices in Central
Jakarta, where he reported the graft allegations.

Lucky said that markups were found in the procurement of mini
DV camcoders and equipment for TVRI's auditorium.

"The price of the mini DV camcoders was marked up by Rp 2
billion, while that of the auditorium equipment was marked up by
more than Rp 5.2 billion," he added.

He said the alleged corruption showed that the state-owned
television station was in a mess.

The ICW doubts the credibility of companies participating in
tenders to supply broadcasting equipment and other materials to
TVRI.

However, Lucky refrained from giving the names of the TVRI
suppliers.

The anticorruption watchdog urged the KPK to thoroughly
investigate the allegations, and to carry out an audit on the
company's 2004 accounts.

It also urged the government to investigate all irregularities
at the station and to take action against its management.