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BPK to audit weapons procurement at Defense Ministry
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Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu speaks to Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo (right) on the sidelines of a press conference at Ryamizard's office. (the jakarta post/Wienda Parwitasari)
I
ndonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo has filed a request to the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), asking it to audit the Defense Ministry’s procurement process for several of the armed force’s weapon systems.
The request includes an audit of the purchase of the AgustaWestland 101 (AW 101) helicopter that is suspected to have involved graft, BPK official Agung Firman Sampurna said on Monday.
“The commander filed an investigative audit request [of procurement on several weapon systems, including the AW 101],” Agung said as quoted by kompas.com.
Agung said the BPK would assemble a team to follow up the TNI’s request.
“We will form a team soon to carry out this specific inspection. Please note, [the investigation] will not only be focused on the AW 101 but on all weapon-system procurements, according to our risk assessment,” said Agung.
He added that until recently the Defense Ministry had only obtained a “qualified” status for its financial report.
He estimated that the investigation team would begin the auditing process after the Idul Fitri holiday next month.
In a joint press conference with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Friday, Gatot named three new suspects from the Indonesian Air Force who are suspected of being a part of the graft surrounding the procurement of the AW 101.
The suspects, identified as First Marshall FA, Let. Col. BW and Warrant Officer Class II SS, were charged with insubordination, misuse of authority, failing to follow procedures on goods and services procurement, embezzlement and forgery. (mrc)
