Hans David Tampubolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 12/04/2009 11:37 AM
The House of Representatives and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have marked boundaries for each other and agreed not to step on each other's toes in investigating the Bank Century scandal, with both set to launch investigations into the high-profile case.
House speaker Marzuki Alie from the Democratic Party said after a meeting between leaders of both institutions here Thursday that they had met to synergize tasks and functions in resolving the Bank Century debacle.
"The political side of the case will be taken care of by the House, while the KPK will handle the legal aspects. So, with that we agree to clearly separate the political and legal domains of the case, and ensure that these domains do not get mixed up," he said.
KPK interim chief Tumpak Hatorangan Panggabean said his office would work on legal violations involving state officials.
"This is in line with the authority given to the KPK, which is responsible for investigating corruption cases and abuses of power involving state officials," he said.
Tumpak said the KPK had a list of violations related to graft cases involving state officials in the scandal.
The KPK will likely follow up on a report from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), which revealed abuses of power and the covering up of information that led to the decision to increase the amount of money approved for the bailout - from an initial Rp 6 billion to Rp 6.76 trillion.
The KPK on Wednesday said it would review the case with the BPK before launching a comprehensive investigation.
Tumpak said the KPK would give full authority to police and prosecutors to handle specific cases.
"The police can handle cases of money laundering, and the prosecutor's office can handle graft cases not involving state officials," he said.
Separately, a panel of economists said the House and the government should establish an independent investigation team to assist the inquiry committee and to make sure the investigation was transparent.
Former finance minister Rizal Ramli suggested such a team comprise independent experts and activists.
"This team would discourage House members from making political deals that might prevent the newly endorsed inquiry committee from resolving the case," he said.
Rizal said the team could supervise the committee's investigations.
"This will also boost the House's reputation. If the House works well during the investigations, the public will not doubt the performance of its 2009-2014 elected members," he added.
Economist Ichsanuddin Noorsy said the team could later provide recommendations to the House.
"The team would submit advice that would improve *the inquiry committee's* work efficiency," he said. (nia)
