LKMD chiefs targeted in telephone scam

LKMD chiefs targeted in telephone scam

JAKARTA (JP): At least five chiefs of the capital's Village
Resilience Boards (LKMD) have been targeted in a telephone scam
informing them they were recipients of Kijang vans from the
government.

Nazar Amir, LKMD head of Bidara Cina subdistrict in East
Jakarta, said on Monday he received a telephone call in the
morning. He was instructed to transfer Rp 4.1 million (US$455.5)
to an account at privately run Bank Internasional Indonesia to
obtain the van.

"The man, who called himself Suryadi, said all LKMD heads
nationwide would get Kijang vans as their government vehicles,"
Nazir said.

"Suryadi said he was an official of the National Development
Planning Agency (Bappenas), which is in charge of providing funds
for the social safety net program."

"Pak Nazar, the vans are offered in red, white and metallic
green. Take your pick'," he quoted the man as saying.

Nazar said the caller promised the van would be delivered to
Nazar's home or at a location he chose once the money was
transferred.

He assumed the scheme was linked to news the capital's 265
LKMD heads were selected to handle distribution of Rp 109.52
billion in social safety net funds.

Nazar then checked with Rini, a Bappenas secretary, who
informed him the offer was fictitious.

"Rini told me that at least five LKMD heads had called her up
to report the same type of case."

Soekarno, an LKMD head of Petogogan subdistrict of South
Jakarta, said he received two calls about the offer several weeks
ago.

"I simply asked the man on the phone where the money was
coming from. When he said the van was being given for a small
amount by Bappenas, I hung up."

Hardjono, an LKMD head of Meruya Utara in West Jakarta, said
he asked for the caller's full name.

"He just mentioned Suryadi... I asked him if he was Suryadi
Soedirdja (former Jakarta governor). When he still did not want
to give his full name, I hung up," Hardjono said.

Nazar urged Bappenas to distribute a circular informing all
LKMD heads about the scam.

"Bappenas should have taken immediate action instead of just
sitting there for us to call and report to them," Nazar said.

"It is my wish that no LKMD head should fall for such
dangerous offers." (ylt)