Graft investigators to learn driving skills

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 04/18/2008 12:43 AM  |  Headlines

After visiting rock band Slank as part of its anti-graft campaign, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is now asking professional drivers to share their driving skills with commission investigators.

Brothers Ananda Mikola and Moreno Soeprapto, both familiar faces to domestic and international racing fans, visited the KPK building in South Jakarta on Thursday to discuss a driving course for investigators, which will put a particular emphasis on how to handle a car while chasing after corruption suspects.

Ananda and Moreno were accompanied by their father Tinton Soeprapto, who is known to be close to Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of the late president Soeharto.

A large transfer of Tommy's funds from Banque Nationale de Paries (BNP) Paribas to a government account is being investigated by the KPK.

Leaving the building, Moreno said they would teach investigators a wide range of driving skills.

He said they would learn basic driving skills and some advanced techniques, like how to follow a car at high speeds.

"Such skills are important so the KPK will not lose when they have to chase suspects," he said.

Moreno said investigators were scheduled to learn the driving skills this month, without specifying any dates.

The anti-graft body continues to gain popularity not only for its investigations but its recent efforts to align itself with public figures who support their efforts to fight corruption.

On Wednesday, KPK chairman Antasari Azhar visited Slank at its offices in South Jakarta.

Antasari presented the band with a certificate of appreciation for their efforts in fighting corruption through their music.

Slank visited the KPK building last month and performed several songs. Slank also presented a CD titled Slank Antikorupsi, a compilation of corruption-themed songs from earlier albums, to commission officials.

Slank was threatened with a lawsuit by the House of Representatives for the lyrics to their song "Gossip Jalanan", which were deemed "hurtful" to the institution.

Talk of a lawsuit quickly vanished when the anti-graft body arrested lawmaker Al Amin Nasution on April 9 for allegedly accepting bribe. (ewd)

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