Foundations may publish “counter book” : official

Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said some foundations may publish their own books to counter allegations in the newly released book Unveiling Cikeas Octopus : Behind the Bank Century Scandal.

“It is possible a new book will be launched by foundations and some people mentioned in the book,” Julian said as quoted by tempointeraktif.com.

He added that the foundations were still waiting for detailed explanations from George Junus Aditjondro, the author of the book.

“We would like to know how authentic and responsible his secondary data is. He has to explain to us the process and methodology [of the writing of the book],” he said.

He added that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would neither reprimand the author nor launch his own version of the book in response to the much-debated publication.

George elaborates the foundations linked with the presidential family as financial and political means to gain support during this year's election.

The book also mentions possible connections between the president and the Rp 6. 76 trillion (US$ 716 million) bailout received by Bank Century, now re-branded as Bank Mutiara. (ewd)