Controversial writer named a suspect

George Aditjondro, researcher and controversial writer, whose last book Membongkar Gurita Cikeas rocked Indonesian politics (for a brief moment), has been named a suspect by Jakarta police. It's not because of the book's content. But because a report filed by Ramadhan Pohan, legislator from President SBY's Demokrat Party.

Ramadhan reported George to the police alleging George had slapped him in the face (literally) aftermath of a discussion about the controversial book in December 2009. In one chapter of the book, George pointed to Rp150 billion funds "invested' by Soenaryo Sampoerna (son of Boedi Sampoerna) in Jurnal Nasional, a newspaper widely known associated with President SBY and his Demokrat Party. Ramadhan was chief editor of the paper, while the First Lady's sister, according to George, is the key figure in the newspaper's operation.

George, reportedly losing control of his temper, suddenly raised his right hand and hit Ramadhan in the face using a copy of the book. Ramadhan then reported George for misconduct, which carries a maximum sentence of 32 months in jail or a Rp400,000 fine. George defended himself, saying that he wanted to stop Ramadhan's misconception of the book.

Well, a good reason to shift our attention from contents of the book.

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Surprises from Susno Duadji examination?

Susno Duadji, the controversial former chief detective at National Police, promised a full disclosure in his first inquiry with the House of Representatives' investigation team on the Bank Century case today. He is summoned to clarify his relationship with Century's former owner, Robert Tantular, and one of the bank's largest depositors, Boedi Sampoerna. Online publications reported Susno has just published two books. One about himself in the eyes of journalists, and the other one on his review of Criminal Code.

So, this, hopefully, become a scene of "Sherlock Holmes on Sherlock Holmes". Susno will be asked about his role in the whole Century saga. He admitted yesterday that he arrested Tantular upon the order of then VP Jusuf Kalla, not based on the report filed by Bank Indonesia.

Susno is considered knowledgeable about Sampoerna's funds in Century, reportedly over US$200 million. Susno is also implicated in the allegation about US$1 million fees for his "help" to clarify the legal status of Boedi Sampoerna's US$18 million funds.

What the legislators will ask to Susno? Well, one of the legislators told Kompas.com that he would ask Susno's knowledge about why Sampoerna put over US$200 million in a relatively small bank with total assets less than US$1.5 billion?

Susno triggered a controversy when he appeared as a witness during the trial of former KPK Antasari Azhar. A bigger controversy is clearly his famous metaphor of "Cicak (gecko) vs Buaya (Crocodile)" in the war between Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and National Police behind the alleged fabrication efforts to frame two KPK deputy chairmen Chandra M. Hamzah and Bibit Samad Rianto with bribery.

What Susno said about Robert Tantular?

"He embezzled Rp1.29 trillion from Century's depositors," Susno said.

Where Tantular puts the money?

"In Jersey, we found US$16.5 million, in Cuba US$14.8 million, Bermuda US$7.227 million, Switzerland US$220 million, and in UK under his wife's name US$872,000 and US$55,000. We also found in British Virgin Island and Cayman Island," Susno said.

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George Junus Aditjondro

George Junus Aditjondro has triggered another controversy with his new book, Membongkar Gurita Cikeas: Di Balik Skandal Bank Century. Other than the alleged physical attack on Demokrat Party politician Ramadhan Pohan, the book has created a war among Facebookers. Who is George?

According to Wikipedia, George is born in Pekalongan, Central Java in May 27, 1946. He was a journalist for Tempo from its inception until 1979. He fled Indonesia in 1995 to escape a political trial for articles he wrote about Soeharto-linked businesses. He is famous for his works on Soeharto Inc.

He lives in Asutralia and is currently a lecturer in Newcastle University, Australia in Sociology of Corruption. He got his PhD from Cornell University, USA in 1993. He was a lecturer at Satya Wacana Christian University in Solo, Central Java along with famous sociologist Arief Budiman.

Very limited information about his personal data. Some people attacked his personal life, others defended saying "that's nothing to do with his works on monitoring corruption and different regimes."

Still, some questioned about his behavior after the launching of his book yesterday. As reported by the Jakarta Post, during the post-launch discussion, George reportedly lost control of his emotions after President SBY's Demokrat Party lawmaker Ramadhan, who was not invited to the event, tried to defend himself regarding an accusation published in the book.

The book accused the Jurnal Nasional newspaper, where Ramadhan is editor-in-chief, received over Rp150 billion financing from Sampoerna through Soenaryo Sampoerna, son of Boedi Sampoerna. Boedi Sampoerna is the biggest depositor at Bank Century, which might have lost over US$200 million if government closed down the bank.

Government defended the bailout on Century (US$700 million), arguing the decision was not designed to help Boedi Sampoerna recover his money. In the words of VP Boediono, the bailout was not about Century, but to save the whole economy.

Ramadhan filed report about the incident to Jakarta Police. He reported George for "misconduct" that carries a maximum sentence of 32 months in jail, or a Rp400,000 in fines.

Well, let them fight in court on this incident. But that shouldn't prevent us from discussing seriously about the content of the book, just like we discussed the foundations linked to Soeharto for a simple reason. We can't afford to have another Soeharto-type of corruption, collusion, and nepotism!

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The First Lady & 2014

The 2014 presidential election is still four years away. But senior high students visiting the State Palace yesterday have raised a tough question to the First Lady Ani Yudhoyono about the possibility of becoming president. First Lady downplayed the possibility saying "Never think of replacing Pak SBY someday. I'm not Hillary Clinton."

Well, some people in SBY's Demokrat Party, including party secretary general Amir Syamsuddin, love the idea to promote the First Lady to become the new chairperson of Demokrat Party, replacing his brother in law Hadi Utomo.

The First Lady, according to Amir, has lots of ideas to lead and develop the party. Ani's younger brother Hartanto Edhie Wibowo is the head of state-owned enterprises affairs at Demokrat Party, while his youngest son Baskoro Edhie Wibowo is also executive at the party and a legislator (member of House Commission I, in charge of international affairs and ICT).

The First Lady's name is mentioned in George J. Aditjondro's controversial book: Membongkar Gurita Cikeas; Di Balik Skandal Century, when he discussed about various foundations. One of foundations linked to the First Lady is Yayasan Mutumanikam, where, according to the book, the convicted businesswoman Artalyta Suryani was a treasurer. Artalyta is known by public as "middle-person" for businessman Sjamsul Nursalim.

The First Lady's sister, who is married to Gatot Suwondo (CEO of Bank BNI), is also mentioned in George's book for her role at Jurnal Nasional newspaper. George said that the family of Boedi Sampoerna, through Soenaryo, has "injected" Rp150 billion into Jurnal Nasional.

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The Joker, YKK & The Cikeas Octopus

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed the flow of money from the fugitive businessman Joko Tjandra (nicknamed The Joker by convicted businesswoman Artalyta Suryani) to Yayasan Kesetiakawanan dan Kepedulian (YKK), one of foundations highlighted by George J. Aditjondro in his controversial book: Membongkar Gurita Cikeas: Di balik skandal Bank Century.

"It is true, the amount is approximately US$1 million," Bibit Samad Ryanto, deputy chairman of KPK said today. 

KPK didn't investigate the money transfer because it was considered a "deal" between private sectors. KPK discovered the money transfer during the investigation of Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) in relation to the bribery scandal of Artalyta Suryani, considered as middle-person for tycoon Sjamsul Nursalim, and prosecutor Urip Tri Gunawan.

Joko Tjandra's lawyer YB Purwaning Yanuar said he knew nothing about the money transfer to YKK. Yanuar said he only handled the Bank Bali issue.

KPK's statement today is a confirmation of various media reports earlier about the transfer of US$1 million to YKK. Yosefardi.com reported about the issue in its article titled "Mr President & The Joker" in October 1st, 2009.

What is YKK?

As reported by Yosefardi.com, based on the information from its website, Yayasan Kesetiakawanan dan Kepedulian, is a foundation where former military commander Djoko Suyanto is a member of Supervisory Council. Djoko Suyanto was deputy chairman of SBY-Boediono campaign team and president commissioner of listed energy company PT Adaro Energy (ADRO) Tbk. Suyanto is currently coordinating minister for politic, security, law, and human rights affairs. 

Other name listed in the supervisory council of the foundation is Sutanto (former National Police Chief, former president commissioner of state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina, once a member of SBY-Boediono team, but resigned upon public criticism), who is now the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) Head. 

Others including Purnomo Yusgiantoro (former energy and mineral resources minister, currently defense minister), MS Hidayat (chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, now minister for industry affairs).

While the executive committee of the foundation is led by chairman Arwin Rasyid (currently CEO of Bank CIMB Niaga), deputy chairman Agustian Partawidjaja (executive of Sinar Mas Group), Nenny Sri Utami (former head of research and development of energy and mineral resources ministry), Setiawan Ambardy (finance director of PT Jaring Lintas Usaha), Dessi Natalegawa (brother of foreign affairs minister Marty Natalegawa, former executive of Prayogo Pangestu's Chandra Asri petrochemical center), etc.

KPK imposed a travel ban on The Joker based on information that he transferred US$1 million to Suryani, known for her relationship to tycoon Sjamsul Nursalim. But KPK then found the money was not transferred to Suryani. That's why KPK released The Joker from the travel ban, which cost them police investigation on "abuse of power". KPK then traced the money and found that The Joker gave the money to CEO of PT Mulia Viadi Sutoyo and Enang as courier. "They then gave the money to Djoko Suyanto from Kesetiakawanan Foundation," Ahmad Rifai, lawyer to KPK leaders explained. 

Suyanto denied the allegation. The donation, he said, was received by the foundation's executive board through its account. "I have no idea about that, it's the foundation's business," he said few months ago.

Today, Suyanto admitted the "donation". "That's true. But its nothing to do with financing the (presidential) election campaign," Suyanto said. "The issue is already old, probably two or three years, probably George fell asleep back then, suddenly woke up and blowing up this issue," Suyanto commented George's theory about The Joker's funds for SBY's presidential campaign.

The foundation was active in providing assistance to various groups as shown in its website. That's probably why people like George asked how the foundation financed all the activities and programs?

KPK lawyer admitted it got the information about the money from The Joker to Yayasan Kesetiakawanan when KPK grilled Viadi Sutoyo (executive of Mulia Group) in relation to the bribery scandal of Artalyta Suryani and prosecutor Urip Tri Gunawan in May 2008. Bibit argued "that (US$1 million) is between private sectors and the foundation, not KPK's business." Well, looks like it's not just an affair between the The Joker and YKK now, especially after George highlighted the role of other foundations.

Some people argued "what's wrong with the foundations, especially if they're doing good things for people?" Well, nothing wrong with that. Soeharto also argued the same on his foundations like Supersemar, Dakab, Dharmais, Dana Gotong Royong Kemanusiaan, Dana Sejahtera Mandiri, etc. But we all know Soeharto's foundations were also sanctuaries for corruption and rampant collusion due to lack of transparency in their fund raising and accountability of the money they collected. 

(Haryanto Suharman, researcher at yosefardi.com contributed to this article)

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Membongkar Gurita Cikeas & Conflict of Interests

Challenged to prove his theory of money flow from state-owned news agency Antara to President SBY's Bravo Media Center, one of key organizations within SBY-Boediono campaign team, George J. Aditjondro, the writer of controversial book Membongkar Gurita Cikeas: Di Balik Skandal Bank Century, said "I got information from internal source." He raised the issue of conflict of interest and violation of election law.

George said the fact is that one of Antara News Agency's executives was also a member of Demokrat Party's success team. He is Rully C. Iswahyudi, deputy director for commercial and IT at Antara. "Even if my allegation will later on proven to be false, it is a violation of law to have the Antara executive in the success team," George argued.

Antara CEO, Akhmad Mukhlis Yusuf, previously asked George to drop the allegation about money flow from Antara's public service obligation (PSO) pool of fund to Bravo Media Center.

Public have raised concern about conflict of interests in the participation of some commissioners of state-owned enterprises in the campaign teams of SBY-Boediono and Kalla-Wiranto. Some decided to resign from SOEs, like in the case of Raden Pardede, but others stay because they claimed they're not part of the formal structure of the success team.

George also raised the conflict of interests issue in his TV debate with Suratto Siswodihardjo last night. Suratto complained about the inclusion of Puri Cikeas Foundation as part of the George's term of Cikeas Octopus. "While I built this foundation with my own money, and that it grows from our businesses. What's wrong with that," Suratto argued.

But George challenged Suratto with the following question, "when will you talk about the chairman of Puri Cikeas foundation and as a chairman of Pro-SBY Movement?"

Suratto, according to our database, is also listed as commissioner of state-owned airport management company PT Angkasa Pura II. Suratto is SBY's neighbor in Puri Cikeas, now an upper class residential area, reportedly purchased at "cheap price" from local farmers.

Puri Cikeas is a heavyweight foundation where CEO of two major banks (BRI and Bukopin) are key officers. State-owned bank BRI and Bukopin both donated to the foundation. The foundation had meetings on government-sponsored programs like biofuel, etc.

Amien Rais, former People's Consultative Assembly speaker, said the main weakness in George's book is secondary source he used, and then added with his own research. But Amien believes in the accuracy of the secondary data.

Interestingly, DPR's Special Committee to investigate Century bailout plans to summon some people mentioned by George in the book. While George didn't make a connection between Century bailout and efforts to recover Boedi Sampoerna's over US$200 million funds in Century, the book contained information about Sampoerna's over Rp150 billion "capital injection" into Jurnal Nasional, a newspaper affiliated with Demokrat Party and SBY. 

About the conflict of interest, we managed to develop a list of cabinet members and commissioners in state-owned enterprises that openly play politics but no punishment weighed upon them. Why the country doesn't want to change? Why the current administration repeats the behavior of previous administrations when it comes to abuse of power and State assets?

Some love the phrase...laws established only to be violated. That seems perfectly correct when you see the list. You can expand the list with hundreds of other names in somewhat similar positions. Not to mention tens of the so-called economists and political observers hired as commissioners in the state-owned companies and government offices. 

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Sekoci Indoratu, giant "NGO" or "shadow political party"?

Sekoci Indoratu (Sekoci = Lifeboat) classified itself a non-government organization (NGO). But the NGO also calls itself "partner" of President SBY's Demokrat Party in the elections (legislative and president). As "NGO", we have to admit Sekoci Indoratu might be the biggest and most powerful NGO in Indonesia. 

Sekoci Indoratu has nationwide branches at provincial level and regency level, equipped with organization structure similar to political parties. Take a look at the structure of NGO Sekoci Indoratu in Kubu Raya, Kalimantan. Interestingly, in some areas, the leaders are either former executives in political parties or government/military officers. In some areas, the local branches also got "financial assistance" from local administration's budget. In Pelalawan Regency, according to an audit by Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), found "donation" of Rp40 million from local budget.

This NGO is very active in local politics. During the governor election in East Java last year, for example, Sekoci Indoratu, claimed its 500,000 members in the province of supporting Soekarwo (candidate from Demokrat Party). Head of the NGO in East Java is Major General (ret) Djoko Subroto. In North Sulawesi, the chairman is Colonel (ret) Frans Mongdong. At the national level, its chairman is Major General (ret) Soeprapto, who is also commissioner at PT Indosat Tbk.

How they finance the organization? Who provided funds for its operations?
According to Tempo, Sekoci was formed in the run-up to the 2004 legislative election for Yudhoyono’s political interests. Almost 90 percent of thepersonnel on this team were retired military men. Among them were T.B. Silalahi, Soeprapto, Amir Sembiring, Irvan Edison, and Max Tamaela. "Not surprisingly, their activities employed a military pattern, among other things, by conducting intelligence, territorial and sociopolitical activities," Tempo wrote in October 2008 (Revving Up the Old Engines).
In addition to retired soldiers, Tempo reported, the team also consisted of a number of businessmen and business operators, among them Teddy Tohir (founder of Astra) and his son, Boy Garibaldi Tohir (Adaro), Robbyanto Budiman (Wahana Makmur Sejati), Patrick Waluyo (Northstar Pasifik), and Frans Kansil (Unilever). There were also politicians, such as Yahya Ombara (formerly of the Indonesian United & National Unity Party).

  

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Sampoerna, SBY-Demokrat, & Century bailout

George Aditjondro wrote in the controversial book: Membongkar Gurita Cikeas, Di balik Skandal Bank Century about the connection of Sampoerna Group/Family with SBY-Demokrat through Jurnal Nasional newspaper. Boedi Sampoerna, according to Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), had over US$200 million deposit in Century, which would gone, if government closed down the troubled Bank Century.

I just remember when our fellow journalists discussed about who's behind Jurnal Nasional newspaper when it first hit newsstands few years ago (2006 to be exact). Journalists in town mainly mentioned Sampoerna. Which Sampoerna or who in the Sampoerna family involved in Jurnal Nasional (JURNAS), nobody knows except people within the company. George wrote that it's Soenaryo Sampoerna (not Putera, nor Boedi) who invested in the newspaper (PT Media Nusa Perdana). Soenaryo's name is mentioned in various reports about PT Esa Kertas, who is in legal dispute with Bank Danamon. Our source said Soenaryo, known as Kian Soen, is the son of Boedi.

In the first two years of JURNAS, according to George, Sampoerna installed two representatives: Ting Anantan Setiawan and Rainerius Taufik. Ting's role has reportedly been replaced by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono's younger sister, who is also the wife of Gatot Suwondo (BNI CEO). 

Nobody knows how much money Sampoerna already invested in JURNAS. George only pointed to print cost of the paper since 2006 has reached Rp90 billion. If that's true, JURNAS might have spent over Rp300 billion, because according to our experience in the media business, printing cost might be around 30% of total cost.

Still, nobody knows who gave what and how much for the operation of this newspaper. What's the connection between Sampoerna investment in JURNAS and Century bailout? George, in a talk-show with TVOne, said he made no connection between those two. Let people to draw conclusion? Well, what an unpleasant New Year gift for SBY and Demokrat Party. 

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Membongkar Gurita Cikeas triggers controversy

For those regularly monitoring Indonesian politics at play, George Aditjondro's book, Membongkar Gurita Cikeas (literally means: Uncover Cikeas Octopus), is a compilation of scattered reports about various foundations closely linked to Cikeas (President SBY, The First Lady, and the broader inner circle (including Demokrat Party). What makes it special is actually the inner circle's strong reaction to the book, most likely because of the connection to ongoing investigation on Century scandal.

George opened the book with the popular transcript of a wiretapped conversation between Anggodo Widjojo and Ong Yuliana where Yuliana claimed SBY's support for Ritonga (former deputy attorney general) on a plot (i.e. criminalization of KPK leaders).

George discussed about Sampoerna Group's "assistance" to Jurnal Nasional, a newspaper closely affiliated to Demokrat Party and SBY; utilization of public service obligation (PSO) funds for Bravo Media Center, one of campaign arms of SBY-Boediono; SBY-affiliated foundations (Puri Cikeas, SBY Nurussalam, Kesetiakawanan & Kepedulian, etc); First Lady-related foundations (Batik Foundation, Sulam Foundation, etc); Business connection of Cikeas Family, etc.

Yosefardi.com published various articles in the period of 2007-2008 about these issues under the following titles: Puri Cikeas Foundation, SBY's dzikir foundation, cabinet ministers wives' club, Tempo Scan Group & SBY, Tjokrosaputro & The First Family, Mr President & The Joker, etc.

The book has disappeared from bookstores. TBG reportedly withdrew the book. But Naluri Imayanti, duty manager of Gramedia Matraman (Jakarta) outlet, denied the withdrawal. "That's not true. The book has yet to entered the bookstore," Naluri said.

The publisher printed 4,000 copies for US$4/copy. Bookstores withdrawn the book, reportedly due to "pressures", just when the inner circle of the ruling elite seriously discussing the book. The President's spokesperson has expressed SBY's "concern" about the book's content. Demokrat Party executives mainly call the book a "defamation" and as a result, the writer shall be brought to justice (legal process).

House Speaker Marzuki Ali (from Demokrat) said the book is full of baseless allegations and defamations toward SBY.

Denial also came from Antara News Agency, which according to George, channeled public service obligation funds to Bravo Media Center (member of SBY-Boediono campaign team). Suratto Siswodihardjo, chairman of Puri Cikeas Foundation, asked George to drop the conclusion that the foundation he established is part of the Cikeas Octopus. "I simply can't accept that conclusion," Suratto, known as a friend of SBY and chairman of Pro SBY Movement/commissioner of state-owned company PT Angkasa Pura II said in a dialogue at TVOne. But George rejected straightforwardly. "I will not drop that," George said in the dialogue.

All of these would only popularize the book. What a "blessing in disguise" for the publisher. Members of the DPR's inquiry team on Century have reportedly ordered the book directly to the publisher in Yogyakarta (Galang Press). Some universities have also ordered substantial copies.

While SBY's supporters see SBY as a regular victim of defamation, others expressed their concern about the return of authoritarianism if the book is banned from distribution. Interestingly, Amir Syamsuddin, secretary general of Demokrat Party, who is also a lawyer, said the book shall not be withdrawn from distribution. "The book is rubbish, no relation between its title and the content," Amir commented.

President's spokesperson Julian Aldrin Pasha dismissed speculations that government has banned the distribution of the controversial book.

For your own research, checkout the following websites:

(1) Puri Cikeas Foundation

(2) Kesetiakawanan and Kepedulian Foundation

(3) Yayasan Majelis Dzikir SBY Nurussalam. Or this article.

(4) Yayasan Batik Nusantara

You may read others, for reference: 

(1) Indonesia Tersenyum

(2) Indonesia Pintar

   

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Major bookstore withdraws controversial book on SBY

Major bookstore identified as TBG has reportedly withdrawn the distribution of Membongkar Gurita Cikeas: Di Balik Skandal Bank Century (picture, courtesy of Kompas.com), a book written by George Junus Aditjondro, upon instruction from "boss". The book, basically about foundations surrounding President SBY, has reportedly been discussed seriously by SBY's inner circle in SBY's private residence in Cikeas, West Java.

Kompas.com reported that TBG, most likely linked to Kompas Gramedia Group, withdrew the distribution of the book today, just few hours after the bookstore network received the delivery from its publisher (Galang Press).

The publisher, Julius Felicianus, claimed TBG owner got "hate calls" from unidentified person who asked the withdrawal.

Tempointeraktif.com quoted Julius saying Gramedia bookstore in Yogyakarta had withdrawn the book after "security officers" paid a visit. 

George launched the book in Yogyakarta on Wednesday, Dec 23 and immediately became a best seller. "The President is very concerned with the book release, because what disclosed in the book is not the fact," Julian Aldrin Pasha, the president's spokesperson said.

What's in the book? Well, actually nothing really new. George wrote about foundations like Puri Cikeas, Mutu Manikam, Kesetiakawanan, SBY Nurussalam, etc. George pointed relationships between First Lady Ani Yudhoyono and Artalyta Suryani (jailed in bribery case of prosecutor Urip Tri Gunawan) in Mutu Manikam Foundation where Artalyta was the treasurer, while the First Lady is the patron leader.

George also wrote about Kesetiakawanan Foundation which linked Djoko Suyanto (coordinating minister for politic, security, law & human rights) and Djoko Tjandra (for a US$1 million donation through PT Mulia Graha Tatalestari), etc.

The book is controversial for the link between SBY and the ongoing investigation on Century. Demokrat faction chairman Anas Urbaningrum expects the book is not part of a negative propaganda saying "SBY is not involved in the Century issue." 

But the publisher dismissed such allegation arguing George submitted the manuscript in June 2009 before the Century case emerged in political arena.

Andi Arief, one of SBY-Boediono's team member in the presidential campaign, considered George's new book a "defamation". He pointed to page 30 and 31 of the book, where, according to Andi, George mentioned about transfer of money from state-owned news agency LKBN Antara of Rp40.6 billion to Bravo Media Center, one of SBY-Boediono's key organizations.

George rebuffed Andi saying "the amount is not an issue. The most important thing is whether there were money transfer from Antara. Do they deny this? Because I have internal sources at Antara who could verify that."

The bottom line, George reminded, is the importance of auditing on foundations related to people in power and campaign teams. We can't agree more!  

  

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