Burhanuddin denies responsibility over BI funds

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 10/15/2008 4:34 PM  |  National

Former Bank Indonesia governor Burhanuddin Abdullah denied responsibility in the alleged embezzlement of Rp 100 billion (US$10.3 million) in BI funds, in a defense plea he read in court on Wednesday.

Burhanuddin told the court that he was a scapegoat for something he claims was engineered during Sjahril Sabirin's tenure as Central Bank governor, just before his term began.

"I was sworn in to the position on May 20, 2003, while the decision was made by the board of governors on June 22, 2003," he said.

About Rp 68 billion of the money went to five former senior BI officials implicated in a separate case involving the disbursement of BI liquidity support for ailing banks, in 2003.

Approximately Rp 31.5 billion of the remaining money was allegedly handed to lawmakers in an attempt to ensure the smooth passage of an amendment to the Central Bank Law, also in 2003.

Burhanuddin said he expected the court to consider the facts uncovered during the trial.

"The only mistake I made was to become the BI governor because I had to be responsible for BI policies during my tenure," he said. (dre)

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