Ruhut Sitompul received criticism following his alleged obnoxious antics during the House of Representative’s inquiry session on the Bank Century case.

The latest incident took place Wednesday night, when Ruhut was said to have called Bank Century inquiry committee deputy chairman Gayus Lumbuun, of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), a “bastard” after the former was displeased with the latter’s approach to leading the inquiry.

This is not the first time Ruhut has been tangled in controversy.

In May 2009 Ruhut was caught on camera making a racist comment about people of Arabic descent during a discussion with Fuad Bawazier at a presidential election campaign.

In December 2009, Ruhut again made a racist remark when he referred to Kwik Kian Gie, a prominent economist, as the “Chinese fella”.

The “bastard” incident has apparently raised tension among Ruhut’s legislators at the committee.

Bambang Soesatyo from the Golkar Party said Thursday that he suspected Ruhut was set up by the Democratic Party to dampen the committee’s spirit in investigating the Bank Century case. The case is considered to be politically sensitive, because there is speculation that the case may have involved the Democratic Party’s elite.

PDI-P chairman Tjahyo Kumolo at the House said his party was considering taking Ruhut before the House ethics council. He added his party would send an official letter of protest to the Democratic Party.

Indonesian Parliamentary Watchdog executive director Sebastian Salang said Ruhut’s actions would backfire.

“Ruhut’s tantrums will ruin the Democratic Party’s image and ultimately the whole House,” he said.
The Democratic Party was also said to be embarrassed by Ruhut’s behavior.

“If  what I hear is true, then I regret it. There is no justification to allow this word to be uttered during an honorable House meeting,” Democratic Party patron board member Hayono Isman said.

Ruhut, however, appears to remain confident amid condemnation. “I have no regrets because Gayus provoked me,” he said.

“Besides, Gayus and I are old friends. It was not strange for us to have a heated debate. After the dust settles, we kiss each other’s cheeks and become friends again,” he added.

Gayus said that he would not consider taking this incident to the ethics council, where he is chairman.

“I take the risk as leader of an inquiry to receive a backlash from the legislators,” he said.

Gayus and Ruhut shook hands before the committee started its inquiry Thursday.

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