NU & The Civil Society

The 32th national congress of muslim largest organization Nahdlatul Ulama in Makassar ended on Sunday with appointment of new NU head KH Said Aquil Siradj for the period of 2010-2015. His tagline campaign ‘Kembali ke Pesantren’ or Return To Pesantren helped him to gain majority votes.

Abdus Sair, secretary of a youth organization GPNU, said the new NU board will face both external and internal challenges. Externally, NU has to encounter radicalism, Islam sectarian and terrorism issues. Internally, the new NU board will have to deal with some NU elites' move may take advantage of their position in NU for personal political interest. NU should return to its basic essence – i.e. focusing on religious and societal issues, in particular grassroot supporters of NU, who mostly live in rural areas and do not have economic access.

Some prominent figures of NU feared that the the new NU board might be ‘coopted’ by the State Palace, referring to the SBY government. The head of Pesantren (muslim boarding school) As’saidiyah Jamsaren Kediri, East Java, Anwar Iskandar, who is also forum for East Java and Central Java muslim boarding schools expressed his pessimism over NU’s future.

He was quoted by Tempo online that although the process to elect new NU head has been democratic, he views that the new head’s independency is “questionable”. He sees that Said Agil is too close to the government, which could cause resistance at the NU’s grass-root level.

Some observers say NU should position itself as a leader in civilian society movement. “As a strong civilian organization, NU should become the driver (in civilian society movement), not allowed itself to be taken advantage (by others),” Qasim Mathar, a professor at Islamic University Alauddin, Makassar, was quoted by Kompas as saying.

Given the public’s trust on the government and the parliament is deteriorating, due to corruption cases, -- such as the Gayus Tambunan tax case, traveller’s cheque case involving a number of Parliament members, and many others--, it is time for such big civilian organizations like NU to voice the interest and concerned of the public at large. (by Haryanto Suharman & Roffie Kurniawan)

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Gayus Tambunan & The Mafia

Mas Achmad Sentosa, a member of Task Force To Eradicate Court Mafia, established by the President, said on Saturday the team suspected that the the Gayus Tambunan case may not only implicate police and prosecutors, but could also Gayus’ lawyers and judges.

He said he came up with a conclusion after learning irregularities in the former tax officer case – starting from investigation until the issuance of a verdict, which let him free. “A clear indication is a move to unblock his (Gayus) bank account,” Achmad was quoted by Koran Tempo .

He said, since Gayus’ account was unblocked on Nov 22, 2009, up to Rp 28 billion has been withdrawn from Gayus account. The task force also detected the suspicious withdrawal of Rp 6.2 billion from Gayus account. Andi Kosasih, who previously claimed that the missing Rp24.5 billion in Gayus Account, was his money, failed to prove it. Andi has been been detained by the police. The task force learnt that Andi only got Rp 1.95 billion of the missing Rp 24.5 billion.

Late Sunday, Denny Indrayana, secretary of the task force, said at a press conference that the “independent team”, established by the police has discovered evidence of the presence of court and legal mafias in the Gayus Tambunan case. However, he declined to disclose.

Denny called on the tax office to strengthen internal control and work procedure system. The Gayus case shows the presence of tax mafias. It also indicates that the reformed in the tax office still long way to go.

The public is following the Gayus case with great enthusiasm. Will the police, the tax department, Attorney General act firmly in eradicating such mafia practices?

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Jupe to run for Pacitan Regent?

Pacitan is the hometown of President SBY. Politicians in the regency are competing to win the election for new regent. Interestingly, eight political parties have reportedly approached Julia Perez (some people said one of the hottest Indonesian actress) to enter the race. What?

Solo Pos, a newspaper published in Solo, quoted Julia saying among eight parties approached her are Hanura, Gerindra, and The National Awakening Party (PKB).

Yesterday, Detik.com reported that Julia, popular as Jupe, has yet to ask for blessing from SBY. Wow...Julia born in June 15, 1980. Divorced from Damian Perez, Julia is currently soccer player Cristian Gaston Castano's girlfriend.

Well, last month, United Development Party (PPP) and PKB, nominated Ratih Sanggarwati (former model turned legislator) as Ngawi Regent.

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Bloomberg & Anti-Smoking Edict

PP Muhammadiyah, the second largest Moslem organization in Indonesia, dismissed allegation that Bloomberg Initiative's Rp3.6 billion donation has contributed to the issuance of an anti-smoking edict, which triggered a controversy and protest from tobacco farmers. Why Muhammadiyah denied while the project's description is clear: it seeks a fatwa!

"What's wrong with Bloomberg's donation as long as it is for the good of people," Sidibyo Markus, leader of Muhammadiyah defended to Detik.com this morning.

Sudibyo dismissed the allegation of relationship between the edict and the Bloomberg funds. But according to Bloomberg Initiative's website (www.tobaccocontrolgrants.org), the funds provided to Muhammadiyah mainly to "mobilize public support towards obtaining religious policy on tobacco control and to support FCTC accession."

The US$393,234 project described as follows: "The project will seek support from inter-faith groups for tobacco control and FCTC accession. It aims for the Ijma Ulema decision on the banning of smoking to be implemented throughout Indonesia. It seeks: the issuance and dissemination of religious advice (fatwa) on the dangers of tobacco use among Muhammadiyah/Islamic institutions; consensus and advocacy about a religious policy on tobacco use." (Check out the website!)

Bloomberg Initiative had reportedly disbursed US$4.195 million to 14 anti-smoking campaigns in Indonesia. The recipients are mainly educational institutions and NGOs. The biggest fund is to establish Tobacco Control Support Center.

Others are as follows: Demographic Institute, Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia (US$280,755), Directorate of Non-Communicable Disease Control (US$529,819), Indonesian Public Health Association (US$1.03 million), National Commission for Child Protection/Komnas Anak (US$455,911 + US$210,974), Yayasan Lembaga Konsumen Indonesia (YLKI) and Center for Religious and Community Studies (US$454,480), Bogor City Health Agency (US$228,224), Indonesian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (IFPPD) (US$164,717 + US$28,753) etc.

What's the job description of Demographic Institute of Faculty of Economics at University of Indonesia? Well, according to the US$280,755 project description: To influence the policy-makers in Indonesia for undertaking effective tobacco tax and price policy. This will be achieved through relevant advocacy activities and capacity building for raising tobacco taxes to policy-makers and other stakeholders.

Well, at least we know who's behind these institutions when they talked about something...and at least we know the connection between those behind anti-smoking campaign and the policy makers. There is no free lunch!

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Dino Djalal, new Ambassador to US?

President SBY has reportedly signed the appointment of spokesperson Dino Patti Djalal as the new Ambassador for the United States of America.

Rumors have been swirling around since last November about Dino's future position. He has been the President's spokesperson for international affairs since 2004. The spokesperson for domestic issues, Andi Mallarangeng, is now minister for youth and sports.

The serving Indonesian Ambassador for US is Mr Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat. He has served since January 2006. He was Indonesian Ambassador to Australia (2001-2002). In August 2008, State prosecutors charged Mochamad Slamet Hidayat, former Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, for bribing Sudjadnan US$200,000. But Sudjadnan denied the allegation saying it's up to the Corruption Eradication Commission to proceed with investigation.

If confirmed, Dino could be the youngest Ambassador to US in Indonesian history. Born in Beograd (Yugoslavia) in September 10, 1965, Dino is son of Hasyim Djalal, also a diplomat. Dino is also listed as commissioner of state-owned investment bank PT Danareksa (Persero) along side Muhammad Ikhsan (economist, special staff of VP Boediono) and Sutan Remy Sjahdeni (father of Mirza Adityaswara, chief economist at Bank Mandiri).

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Flip-flop on electricity tariff

January 13, 2010, Kompas.com published an article titled "Pemerintah pastikan harga BBM dan TDL tidak akan naik" (government assures fuel and electricity tariff won't be raised) this year, quoting Hatta Rajasa, coordinating minister for the economy. Today, finance minister Sri Mulyani said "electricity tariff will raise by 15% in the second half." Which government we should trust in?

Here's the statement from Hatta less than two months ago: With higher electricity subsidy, the state-owned PLN can be empowered without necessarily raise the basic electricity tariff (TDL).

In the revised 2010 Budget proposed by government, electricity subsidy would increase 44.2% this year to Rp54.5 trillion. "TDL will increase 15% as of July 2010," Sri Mulyani said today.

Well, probably the government in January is different with government today (because of the Century case investigation).

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SBY keeps Boediono & Sri Mulyani

President SBY sent strong signals to keep VP Boediono and finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati in the cabinet despite pressures from politicians, especially DPR's recommendation and conclusion on Century bailout.

SBY defended the bailout policy and praised both Boediono and Sri Mulyani Indrawati for making the right decision to save Indonesian economy from global financial meltdown.

Constitutional experts said the fact that the President's televised speech Thursday night (to defend both the policy and people behind the policy) rebuffed DPR's conclusion implies to the need to bring the issue to Constitutional Court. So, it's not (completely) over yet.

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SBY-Boediono lost DPR battle

SBY-Boediono only gets 212 out of 537 votes; opposition got 325 votes, even bigger than the first round of voting. Opposition got a boost from PPP and PKB, two coalition members of SBY-Boediono.
It's like PDI-P, the winner of 1999 election and the largest party with over 30% seats, lost the presidential election in 1999 to a coalition of parties led by Golkar, PAN, and PKB. That time, PDI-P also lost in the House Speaker race to Golkar.
Still, we can't say "adios" for Boediono and Sri Mulyani. The road to impeachment is open, but still long way to go. Unless...

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SBY-Boediono lost first round

Supporters of SBY-Boediono in the Century investigation lost the first round of voting to the opposition. Out of 540 legislators, only 246 supported new proposal from Demokrat Party-led "coalition".

The opposition, who wants a straight voting on two options provided by the Special Committee to investigate Century, won with 294 votes, consisted of 292 votes from five political parties (Golkar, PDI-P, PKS, Gerindra, and Hanura) plus two votes from SBY's coalition (PPP and PKB).

Will it be the same for two options in the second round of voting?

Option A: Policies related with Bank Century were justified, and

Option C: Option C: Policies related with Bank Century were wrong.

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Legislators brawl over Century

A plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) this morning turned into an ugly physical conflict between members of various political parties. Outside the DPR building, protesters were shot with water cannon.
The fights started shortly after Idrus Marham, chairman of the Special Committee to investigate Century case, read the "final conclusion" of the investigation. Bambang Soesatyo from Golkar Party interrupted the session and asked the plenary session to make final decision today through voting. Others jumped in, including Akbar Faisal (Hanura party) and Irawadi Syamsyudin (Demokrat). Tension heightened when more and more legislators moved closer to the House Leaders' podium.
House Speaker Marzuki Ali (from President SBY's Demokrat Party) responded the brawls and protests with closing down the session unilaterally. "With Thanks God, the House plenary session is concluded," Marzuki announced. The House members angered at Marzuki. "Take over the session's leadership," some members protested.

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Exchange Threats over Century

President SBY's special staff for legal affairs Denny Indrayana claimed one political party tried to exchange a legal case with softer tone on Century case investigation. Andi Arief and Velix Wanggai, SBY's other special staffs, "threatened" to file a police report on Muhammad Misbakhun, politician from Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

"(We had reported the case) to Special Task Force to eradicate mafia in the judicial system. Our plan is to report the case to National Police," Andi Arief said. Well, they don't have to tell public about that. If they know someone committed crime, go straight to the police and provide evidences.

"One party was ready to change its stance in the Century case as long as the President is willing to negotiate on legal case," Denny said. It's better for Denny to publish the name of the party as well, otherwise his statement is worthless.

Earlier we had read ridiculous threats exchanged by politicians from SBY-Boediono's ruling coalition. Corruption on procurement of cows for the poor, allegation of bribery in the election of senior deputy governor, tax evasion allegation, etc. Bring them all to court! We're tired of statements. Actions speak louder!

Demokrat leader threatened to kick out members who are not loyal to the President. "Now we know who are friends and enemies," Amir Syamsyuddin, secretary general of Demokrat said. Well, then make up your mind!

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Boediono on resign rumor: Not that easy!

Rumors swirling around political elites that VP Boediono plans to resign due to the heat from Century case investigatio. But Boediono calmly responded, saying "I'm elected by people, to resign is not that easy."

Detik.com quoted Azyumardi, leader of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals Association (ICMI), about their Q&A with the vice president. "We asked to the vice president about rumors out there that Mr Boediono wants to resign. He replied with question about the source of the rumor. But then the vice president said, "people elected me, so to resign would not be that easy."

Kompas.com quoted Azyumardi Azra with stronger words from Boediono, saying, "so, there is no intention to resign. The rumor is not true."

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Politicians who tweet

It's just amazing that Twitter gained so much popularity in Indonesian politics. President candidates have their accounts created by campaign managers. But some have their personal accounts. Vice President Boediono is one of the most active Twitters. He posted 144 tweets and has 34,293 (at least check) followers and following 996.

His last tweet was on January 11th when he was about to testify before the House special committee to investigate Century case. He also uses the Twitter account to communicate his views, feelings, and "campaign" on certain issues. ICT minister Tifatul Sembiring is also on Twitter. He has lot more followers than Boediono. He has 37491 followers, is following 1541, and posted 1810 tweets already. The last tweet was two hours ago when the politician from Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) was preparing for Gunung Gede hiking in Cipanas, West Java. He invited people to join. He is following Microsoft founder and owner Bill Gates on Twitter. Tifatul has more followers than popular artist Agnes Monica (36,533) who has tweeted 978.

The hottest is probably Aburizal Bakrie's account. Aburizal is chairman of Golkar Party and Bakrie Group of Companies. Aburizal has less followers (5664) than both Boediono and Tifatul. Aburizal effectively uses his account to defend some allegations on his group and Golkar Party. He is following only 11, but has tweeted 351. He is following tweets from his son Anindya Bakrie (CEO of Bakrie Telecom). The last tweet was 8 hours ago when he updated his whereabouts: Jambi, Padang, Bintan (all in Sumatra region) for Golkar Party affairs.

Aburizal's account is also a place for "discussion" of issues like Lapindo mudflow, allegation of tax evasion on Bumi Resources, and "impeachment" motion by some Golkar politicians.

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Herman Sarens Sudiro & politics

Kompas.com reported that Herman Sarens Sudiro (reportedly retired Brigadier General, but others reported Lieutenant General) agreed to surrender to the military police. Just confused that Herman (photo from Fajar.co.id), who has actively involved in Indonesian politics, is listed in the "fugitive list" of Military HQ for the past ten years? Isn't he one of the founders of Relawan SBY (Volunteers for SBY) in 2004 and 2009 presidential elections?

The Jakarta Post quoted First Marshall Sagom Tamboen, head of military information center, saying Herman was suspected of being involved in the embezzlement of TNI assets during his term as a corps commander in the 1970s. Sagom said, Herman's summons was meant to clarify and settle the allegation. The summon created a tense situation between the general and law enforcers at Taman Telaga housing complex in Tangerang on Monday. Herman ignored three summonses, and the military court decided to use force to bring Herman to court.

Who is Herman? Herman is a founder of Volunteers for SBY (Relawan SBY), which actively supported President SBY in both 2004 and 2009 elections. Other founder of the organization is Hatta Rajasa (now coordinating minister for the economy).

According to the organization's website, other founders are included Parasian Simanungkalit (Brig Gen ret Police), Pieter LD Wattimena (First Marshall, ret, former high ranking officer at defense ministry), Alexius Gordon Mogot (formet North Sulawesi police chief), and Hatanto Reksodiputro (former secretary general of trade affairs ministry). Other names are HIM Damsyik, Ani Herawati, and Rustam Effendy. Chairman of the organization is Mr Faisal Riza Yoenoes.

Born in Pandeglang, Banten, May 24, 1930, Herman is also famous as boxing promoter and member of Harley Davidson Club. According to Kompas.com, Herman is also an actor in at least 12 films. Married to Tinawati in 1958, Herman is also known as former husband of Theresia Blezinsky, older sister of the famous Tamara Blezinsky.  

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Summon SBY, why not?

Two political parties, PDI-P and Hanura, proposed the examination of President SBY by the House special committee for Century case. Demokrat, PKS, and PPP said that's not necessary. Why not?

PDI-P politician Gayus Lumbuun said finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati confirmed that she informed the president through short message (SMS) on November 21, 2008 about the bailout when SBY was overseas. Late last month, senior politician from National Mandate Party (PAN) Abdillah Toha wrote an open letter to the inquiry committee, asking for the same. "Summoning the president is allowed under the law. The purpose would be to corroborate what his subordinates have told the committee or to reply questions his staffs were unable to answer," Toha wrote.

Toha said if the president knew about the bailout, the inquiry need to get the president's answer about when he gained the knowledge, and what steps he took to ensure the bailout's safety.

Sri Mulyani told legislators earlier that President SBY didn't involved in the bailout decision, but he was reported about the decision. She admitted of several consultations with the President about the bailout. "As far as I remember, the president only asked me to take necessary measures according to existing laws," Sri Mulyani said.

PDI-P politicians argued participation of Marsilam Simanjuntak, former head of President's delivery unit UKP3R, in various meetings for Century bailout, is an indication that the president was actively involved in the decision making.

Raden Pardede, secretary Financial Sector Stability Committee (KSSK) initially said that Marsilam attended the meetings upon the president's requests. But yesterday Raden insisted Marsilam attended in his capacity as one of the sources asked by KSSK for opinions and views on the bailout. Sri Mulyani also said so. Marsilam meanwhile said he attended the meetings because KSSK asked the president to allow me working with KSSK. "That's it," Marsilam said.

Well, it is important to know the president's own view on the process to the bailout, or whether there were communications between him (overseas) and the acting president Jusuf Kalla (at home, VP) during the so-called "critical moments".

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A bitter end for Soetrisno Bachir

He was a "star" in Indonesian politics few years ago. A chairman of National Mandate Party (PAN), he once considered "presidential hopeful", at least by himself and some people within PAN. Young and considered "rich", some observers said at least he could be VP candidate. He spent lots of money to finance PAN and his own "campaign". Ads were everywhere in town with his face (photo, courtesy of Tempointeraktif.com).

Some said he spent about US$30 million for the ad titled "Hidup adalah Perbuatan". Soetrisno once held substantial amount of PT Bumi Resources Tbk stocks. Media reported in late 2008 that he offloaded Rp234 billion worth of stocks.

He maintained PAN as the fifth largest party in the House of Representatives (DPR), but fell short of his target: 20%. Not even half of that target is achieved. His "chance" diminished. In the run-up to the presidential election, his name started to disappear. Even as VP candidate, he is not considered a potential candidate.

Things worsened when the party has to decide which pair to support in the election. Other party figures back-stabbed him, made decisions to support SBY-Boediono. His role was quickly taken over by Hatta Rajasa and Zulkifli Hasan. It was Hatta who's considered a potential VP candidate for SBY. But SBY picked Boediono. Hatta was already happy to be SBY's right-hand man in establishing communications with other parties. SBY appointed Hatta as the chairman of national campaign team. As a reward, SBY entrusted Hatta, along with Sudi Silalahi, in the cabinet selection process. Yet another reward, SBY appointed Hatta as the coordinating minister for the economy.

It's just a matter of time that Hatta would take over PAN leadership from Soetrisno. Soetrisno quickly realized the end of his career at PAN. He was even "ignored" in the opening of the party's national leadership meeting prior to the convention to select new leaders this week in Batam Island. He arrived 30 minutes before the official opening ceremony closed. But the party's convention organizer decided to skip Soetrisno. He left the convention alone, just like when he arrived without crowds usually welcoming him in the past few years.

What a bitter end for Soetrisno. Just remember a good friend advised, "In Indonesia, you have to be prepared to be alone."

What next? Soetrisno decided to retire from politics. "Political parties are crowded with pragmatists, hedonists, and machiavellist," Soetrisno said. What do you think?

Niccolo Machiavelli said "Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity, and are able to turn both to their advantage."

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Hatta elected as chairman of PAN

Hatta Rajasa, coordinating minister for the economy, has been elected as the new chairman of National Mandate Party (PAN), the fifth largest party in the House of Representatives (DPR). He won after main contender Drajad Wibowo (an economist, campaigned for Kalla-Wiranto in 2009 election) pulled out from the race.

Hatta Rajasa replaced Soetrisno Bachir. Meanwhile, Amien Rais, the party's founder, is reelected chairman of PAN's advisory council. According to Amien, Drajad will automatically become vice chairman of PAN. "That's the deal last night," Amien told Detik.com.

Hatta is one of the trusted aides of President SBY. He played significant role in the establishment of SBY-Boediono's cabinet.

PAN has three cadres in the cabinet. Two others are Zulkifli Hasan (forestry affairs minister) and Patrialis Akbar (minister of law and human rights).

Hatta has been considered strongest candidate for PAN chairman, thanks to huge "logistic" support. He spent huge amount of money in advertising. Wonder who pays?

Hatta born in Palembang, South Sumatra in December 18, 1953. He was the secretary general of PAN in 2001-2005. Married to Oktiniwati Ulfa Dariah, Hatta is father of four. One of them is married to the granddaughter of Mooryati Soedibyo (owner of Mustika Ratu, cosmetic and herbal medicine producer).

Hatta graduated from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). He worked for Medco Energy in 1980-1983 and president director of PT Arthindo in 1982-2000. Then president Megawati Soekarnoputri appointed Hatta as minister for research in 2001-2004. President SBY appointed Hatta as minister of transportation in 2004-2007, minister of state secretary in 2007-2009, and coordinating minister for the economy since October 2009.

Well, being political party chairman in Indonesia, you have to have strong "financial support" to run the party. Hatta hired Fox Indonesia, a political marketing agency, which also helped SBY-Boediono in 2009 election. Fox is closely linked to the Mallarangeng brothers and Bakrie Group.

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Luxury car for State officers: Who can resist?

As of today, about 150 State top officers, including ministers, have been delivered brand new Crown Royal Saloon as their official car. The US$100,000 plus-plus car (because of over 100% luxury tax) is considered too luxury for State officers in a country where most people live with daily expenses of below US$1 per day. Who can resist the luxury item when you know Japanese Emperor is also riding on it?

Thousands of readers posted hate comments about the luxury car reports. But look at how State Secretary Minister Sudi Silalahi defended the policy. "The budget for these cars has been planned and approved," Sudi, one of President SBY's trusted aides said.

Coordinating minister for the economy, Hatta Rajasa, argued the luxury car has been planned by the previous administration. "Don't ask me about that, because this is part of the previous administration's programs. Ask State Secretary," Hatta said.

Well, Hatta was the minister for State Secretary in the previous administration. He was part of the previous administration, for five years. He asked journalists to ask the previous State Secretary minister, who is himself?

Taufik Kiemas, the speaker of People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), can't wait to ride on the new car. "If government provides me with the car, why should I reject. Besides, the car will not be mine. I will use this for the next five years and then return it to the State. Take it as a "loan" from people," Kiemas, husband of former president Megawati said. Hundreds of readers barked at Kiemas for this comment.

Priyo Budi Santoso, deputy House speaker from Golkar Party, responded with BIG SMILE when asked about his impression with the new car to replace his old Camry.

Marzuki Alie, the House speaker from SBY's Demokrat Party, said initially he considered to reject the car. "I thought it would trigger "controversy", which turned out to be true. But the car has been delivered, purchased, what can I do? I will use this new car," Marzuki said.

But not all State institutions would accept the car. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suggested the State top officers riding Kijang Innova (also a Toyota). Haryono Umar, deputy chairman of KPK said KPK leaders won't take the car.

Syafi'ie Maarif, former chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, the second largest Moslem organization, also suggested officers to ride Kijang instead. "Officers shall not ride on luxury cars. It's just a proof that they are heartless on people's miserable lives," Syafi'ie said.

Anies Baswedan, rector at Paramadina University, said "from budget perspective, the policy might be accountable, but what about people's sense of justice? This is not the right time to ride on luxury cars. What kind of message you want to give to public?" The writer of the article, Inggried Dwi Wedhaswary, wrote "Can our officers have modest style?" 

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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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Crown Royal Saloon for officers

Cabinet members and leaders of major institutions like People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), The House of Representatives (DPR), The Regional Representative Council (DPD), and others will ride on the new luxury US$140,000 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon starting New Year 2010.

DPD Chairman Irman Gusman said all the leaders of State institutions will ride on the new 3000cc car to replace Camry they're riding on. The plan already drew criticism from Lukman Hakiem, deputy head for expert council at United Development Party (PPP), member of SBY-Boediono's ruling coalition. "It's just a proof of insensitivity of this administration," Lukman criticized.

Mabruri, spokesperson for Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), also another coalition member, considered Crown Royal Saloon too expensive. Hopefully ministers and leaders from these parties would start the movement to "reject" the Japanese Emperor car.

Environmental minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta enjoys the new car in its first day in service this morning. "Thank You to the President. It's quite within the car," he said with a big smile, Detik.com reported.

The cars have been delivered to ministers. Some even got new cars last week. 

Well, we have about 50 cabinet members (including vice ministers), five MPR leaders, five DPR leaders, five DPD leaders, plus ministerial-level institutions like BPN (??), Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), Supreme Court (MA), Constitutional Court (MK), Bank Indonesia governors (??). Let's make it 100. Total cost might be US$14 million (assuming the State would pay luxury tax, like others!). According to Tempointeraktif.com, the House of Representatives (DPR) had approved last month the use of State budget Rp62 billion to pay the tax for these cars.

Oh, and usually, governors all over the country will follow, because they think they're the same level with ministers. So, add that up with another 32. Some bupatis might think, well, "I'm the King in this regency, so I need the same car like other 'royal officers". Add up with another hundreds etc. 

What a "good marketing" for the car dealer. Which company won the tender?

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