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)