House launches probe into alleged BI scam

Abdul Khalik ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 04/08/2008 11:52 AM  |  National

The House of Representatives' Disciplinary Council (BK) has launched an investigation into a new alleged Bank Indonesia (BI) scandal involving a number of lawmakers.

Deputy chairman of the advisory council Gayus Lumbuun said Monday the House's leaders had officially asked the council to probe reports that members of the Legislation Commission and Commission XI on financial affairs had received some US$350,000 from the central bank.

"We will immediately summon BI officials and staff at the House's financial unit to explain the use of the money," he told The Jakarta Post.

Various media have reported the funds were given by BI to finance domestic and overseas trips and to cover medical costs and "good relations" expenses with lawmakers.

Reports alleged several lawmakers, including Bomer Pasaribu of the Golkar Party, Ganjar Pranowo of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Ali Masykur Musa of the National Awakening Party (PKB) and Andi Rahmat of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), had received funds for their trips to London and New York.

Gayus said his team would examine whether lawmakers violated ethics in receiving money. House regulations prohibit lawmakers from accepting money from officials or other third parties for their foreign or domestic working visits, as the state provides money for such purposes.

"We will investigate from an ethical side. The KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) will probe the criminal aspect," he said.

The channeling of BI funds is the latest case made public this year after the KPK named BI Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah and two other BI executives suspects in the alleged misappropriation of Rp 100 billion (US$10.87 million) in BI funds. Some Rp 31.5 billion of the amount allegedly went to several lawmakers who served from 1999-2004, including Anthony Zeidra Abidin and Hamka Yamdhu.

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.