Projects under Agum Gumelar

Projects under Agum Gumelar

A number of projects at the transportation ministry -- from the expansion of the Juanda airport to port constructions -- have come under the spotlight of some inquisitive circles. These projects have raised questions because of the lack of transparency surrounding them, or owing to some other reasons.

Many interest groups have reportedly profited from projects at the ministry. The Juanda airport project and the construction of ports cost billions to trillions of rupiah.

The ministry was at one time included on the list of ministries with the largest number of financial irregularities. Hence, our suspicion that projects at this ministry have been good business for some interested parties.

We are turning our spotlight on the handling of projects at the ministry to ensure that everything will really come to light, especially because the minister himself once said that projects controlled by his office were very complicated matters. Those allegedly involved in turning these projects into their own businesses are not only professional private circles but, allegedly, also certain officials who always claim to defend the public's interests.

To ensure that no irregularities occur in the projects at the ministry, it is not too late for the top echelons of the ministry to introduce clear rules of the game, and prioritize transparency and fairness. If the rules can be implemented indiscriminately, the minister and his immediate subordinates will no longer have any need to feel hesitant or even afraid in the face of external pressure.

-- Neraca, Jakarta