Team to probe graft in state enterprises, ministries
Team to probe graft in state enterprises, ministries
Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially handed over on
Tuesday a number of files on alleged major corruption cases
involving state enterprises and ministries to the newly
established special antigraft team for investigation.
"Today, we received information from the President. (We will)
examine it starting today," Hendarman Supandji, the deputy
attorney general for special crimes who also leads the team, told
the press after a meeting between the team's leaders and Susilo.
Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi said at the same press
briefing that the President had assigned the Coordinating Team
for Corruption Eradication to investigate at least 16 alleged
major graft cases in state enterprises and ministries.
"There are at least 16 cases, most of which (have caused state
losses) of more than Rp 50 billion. One of them involves up to Rp
2.1 trillion, two others Rp 1.2 trillion and one Rp 871 billion,"
added Sudi, a close aide to President Susilo.
Sudi however declined to name the state institutions accused
of corruption, arguing that it could disrupt the planned
investigations.
Last week, Susilo announced that the government would launch
investigations into at least 16 state enterprises, four
ministries and three private companies as well as hunt down 12
graft criminals who had fled abroad.
It was unclear from what sources Susilo obtained information
on the alleged corruption in the state institutions. However, it
appeared that the President had been provided with reports by the
Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) concerning alleged misuse of state
budgetary funds.
Government sources said that among the cases to be probed were
matters involving the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of
Health, the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, and the
Ministry of Communications, as well as state oil firm Pertamina
and electricity company PT PLN.
Hendarman added that investigations into the corruption cases,
which were ordered by the President, were also likely to target
several offices around the presidential complex.
"It likely (involves those) around the State Palace," he said,
adding that he had not yet opened the files he had just received
from the President.
Most of the graft cases involved procurement by state
institutions.
Hendarman said the team would first examine the information
from the President. Should they find indications of graft, either
police or prosecutors would investigate the cases, he added.
"We'll report it should there be any developments. We are also
required to make a written report to the President every three
months," he said, adding that the President did not give any
deadline for completion of the graft investigations.
During the meeting, Susilo asked the team not to worry about
possible disruption to national stability or the economy as a
consequence of the national anticorruption campaign.
"It is the authority of the President," Hendarman said,
quoting Susilo.
The President also asserted that no-one would be allowed to
intervene into the team's investigations.
The 51-strong special antigraft team was set up last week to
intensify and improve the government-led anticorruption drive,
which has been running for about six months but has yet to record
significant results.
Consisting of prosecutors, police officials and state
auditors, the team is tasked with investigating and prosecuting
graft cases, hunting down and arresting suspects, as well as
tracing and preserving assets from being laundered or illegally
transferred abroad.