Legislators blast Indosat sale hearing

JAKARTA: Legislators here have expressed doubts that a hearing due to take place on Monday between House leaders and senior government officials to discuss the controversial sale of state- owned telecommunications firm PT Indosat will unveil the truth behind the much-criticized deal.

The lawmakers believe the meeting will only be used as a forum "to understand each other".

"What do we expect from that forum? I am afraid it will only justify the Indosat sale," Ahmad Muqowam of the United Development Party (PPP) said on Sunday.

Afni Achmad of the Reform Faction had a similar opinion, saying Monday's meeting would only hear outdated excuses from Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti and other top officials involved in the sale.

Indonesian Military chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto is scheduled to attend the hearing with leaders of Commission I on defense affairs, Commission IV on state enterprises, Commission V on trade and industry and Commission IX on finance.

Deputy House speaker Tosari Widjaja said last Friday that the joint meeting would not revoke the legislators' move to propose the establishment of a committee to investigate the Indosat sale to Singapore investors.

Muqowam and Afni said it would be more effective for the House to directly establish such an inquiry committee, instead of seeking explanations from the government. --JP