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Ahok opens up on disputed contribution of reclamation project to KPK
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Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama (center) answers journalists' questions after being questioned by antigraft investigators on Tuesday. Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators questioned Ahok as a witness in the alleged bribery in regard to a bylaw on reclamation in Jakarta Bay in which three people have been named suspects. (Antara/Hafidz Mubarak)
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akarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama explained the basis of obligatory contributions for developers stipulated in the draft of a bylaw on reclamation projects in Jakarta Bay to antigraft investigators during six hours of questioning on Tuesday.
During questioning by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Ahok said he believed the 15 percent contribution set by the city administration in the draft bylaw on North Jakarta strategic area regional spatial planning would bring more benefit to the capital than a profit-sharing scheme.
“If we imposed a profit-sharing scheme, what if the developers were to lie and say they only made a small profit when in fact it was big?” Ahok told journalists at City Hall on Wednesday.
The 15 percent contribution of the taxable value of property (NJOP) of the reclaimed land set in the bylaw would oblige developers to pay a predetermined contribution. If the developers repeatedly delay paying the contribution, it would mean they have a debt that they must pay to the city administration, he added.
Ahok told KPK investigators that the city administration had taken careful consideration in determining the percentage of contribution and had also involved independent consultants in setting the amount.
The process was transparent and could be monitored through the city administration's YouTube channel on which city officials’ meetings are screened, Ahok added.
As reported, developers want to pay only a 5 percent fee to the city administration in the reclamation project.
Ahok was questioned by KPK investigators on Tuesday as a witness in an alleged bribery case involving deliberation of the draft reclamation bill. City councilor Mohamad Sanusi, property giant Agung Podomoro Land (APL) president director Ariesman Widjaja and APL employee Trinanda Prihantoro have been implicated in the case. (rin)
