Indonesia checks legal means for Sofjan's return

JAKARTA (JP): Acting Attorney General Ismudjoko said on Wednesday his office would use all proper means to ensure the return of businessman Sofjan Wanandi from his overseas medical treatment to be questioned on an alleged fraud case.

Ismudjoko acknowledged he had received a report from Sofjan's lawyer on Sofjan's condition, but also pointed out he had read different versions on his condition from press reports.

"We have summoned him in a proper manner, but he has never shown up; he is reportedly sick, but there are rumors saying he is not," the attorney general said before attending a Cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office.

National Police chief Gen. Roesmanhadi said the police had recently sent a letter to Interpol asking its help in repatriating Sofjan, who was described as a fugitive.

Sofjan, head of Gemala Group, denied on Tuesday he was involved in an alleged defrauding of state banks of up to Rp 1 trillion (US$149 million).

National Police detective chief Maj. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said police have done their part to chase Sofjan abroad and are only waiting for the completion of case identification from the Attorney General's Office.

Separately, president of Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Widigdo Sukarman denied on Wednesday allegations that the businessman had defrauded the state-owned bank.

He said BNI did not lend money to Sofjan but to his Gemala business group.

Widigdo acknowledged part of the bank's loans to the business group turned sour due to the economic crisis, but the remaining part was still in good standing.

"We have financed several companies from the group. I admit there are companies which have defaulted, but there are also others which continue to make payments," Widigdo told reporters following the bank's shareholders' meeting.

Widigdo said the bank and the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) had started a negotiation process to restructure the problem loans owed by Gemala Group's units.(prb/emf/rei)