Syahril Sabirin and BI

Syahril Sabirin and BI

From Rakyat Merdeka

Although Syahril Sabirin, the Central Bank Governor, has been
sentenced to three years in prison, he insists he is innocent and
continues to lead the Central Bank.

This shows the upholding of the supremacy of the law in the
country is weak and constitutes an insult to President Megawati,
who frequently stresses the need for consistent enforcement of
the law.

Hence it is appropriate if the Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) feels concerned over such an
irregularity.

The deputy chairman of the PDI Perjuangan faction and a member
of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR), Max
Moein, said that 17 of the 50 Commission IX members were PDI
Perjuangan, so it would be very easy for PDI Perjuangan to
mobilize forces to reach a majority. He believed that the number
of Commission IX members rejecting Syahril would be more than
not. However, he did not explain how would get the necessary
votes as his party has only 17 members in the Commission.

Apart from the internal affairs within PDI Perjuangan, the
party's intention to boycott the meeting between Syahril and the
House of Representatives should be pondered carefully.

We have no idea who Syahril Sabirin actually is. It is said
that Syahril is one of the country's most influential officials.
His position was never shaken during the eras of Soeharto, B.J.
Habibie or even Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid. They apparently did
not dare to make a move against him. Whether or not Syahril
belongs to Golkar, obviously, Golkar and other parties do not
necessarily support PDI Perjuangan's intention.

E. SUHERMAN

Bandung, West Java