Sapuan followed Bulog procedures, witnesses say

JAKARTA (JP): Two executives of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog)'s employee foundation, Yanatera, said on Tuesday former Bulog deputy chief Sapuan followed procedures when he ordered the release of Rp 35 billion earlier this year.

Administrative chief Asep Permana and executive manager Kamarudin Jamal told the South Jakarta District Court they believed Sapuan was within his authority in asking for the funds.

Sapuan is standing trial on charges of embezzling the foundation's money. He has insisted the money was requested by President Abdurrahman Wahid to fund the government's humanitarian program in Aceh, although the money found its way to people close to the President, including his masseur Suwondo, who is currently at large.

Asep said he prepared the memorandums and the checks for the Rp 35 billion at the request of Sapuan.

He also said it was not unusual for top Bulog leaders to issue internal memos asking for loans from the foundation.

Kamarudin, who said he was on leave at the time the money was transferred, also testified that the Bulog chief at the time, minister of industry and trade Jusuf Kalla, had given Sapuan the full authority to run the agency.

Presiding judge Lalu Mariyun adjourned the trial until next week.(01)