Isa Rachmatarwata & the Jiwasraya scandal
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has named Isa Rachmatarwata, currently director general of State Asset at Ministry of Finance, suspect in corruption case of the troubled state insurance firm Jiwasraya. Isa is named suspect for his role as then head of insurance bureau at the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) in the period of 2016-2012 (before the agency merged into the Financial Services Authority/OJK).
Updates on the Illegal Sea Fence
The process of dismantling the sea fence in Tangerang has recently reached its halfway point. As reported on Sunday (26/01), 15.5 kilometres of the fence that stretched across Tanjung Pasir, Kronjo and Mauk have been knocked down, leaving around 14.6 kilometres to work on. Some certificates—SHM and SHGB—have also been annulled by Minister Nusron Wahid. On the other hand, there is not much development regarding the investigation of the alleged perpetrators.
Markworth Finance v Subagio Wirjoatmodjo
Sandra Nangoy, power of attorney of Markworth Finance Ltd, a BVI-based company, published a half-page announcement at Kompas newspaper this morning, warning all relevant parties to not engage in any transaction related to 98.3% shares in PT Trimata Benua owned by Subagio Wirjoatmodjo.
Aruss Hotel & Online Gambling
National police has seized Aruss Hotel in Semarang, the capital city of Central Java province, arguing the hotel was built with illicit money from online gambling. Given annual turnover of online gambling business in the country, this case is interesting because it might lead to other bigger cases.
Tangerang Sea Fence: The Scapegoats
Recently, on Thursday (30/01), eight officials of Tangerang Regency Land Office have been removed for their involvement in the issuance of building use rights and ownership certificates in Tangerang waters. It is also reported that the head of Kohod Village is now being investigated by the Attorney General’s Office due to corruption allegations regarding the same issue. While this might seem like a legit development, are we sure these people are the main actors that deserve all the spotlight?
Extradition of Paulus Tannos
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has reportedly arrested businessman Paulus Tannos, a fugitive in the e-KTP corruption scandal, in Singapore. Relevant authorities are now working on potential extradition of Paulus from Singapore.
More pressures on the Darmadis & NasDem?
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has finally named Cheryl Darmadi, daughter of Surya Darmadi (owner of Duta Palma Group), a suspect in a money laundering case. Cheryl’s whereabouts is not entirely clear, but the AGO pointed to Singapore as her permanent resident.
Baznas & the Free Meal Program
The Constitutional Court has once again become the stage for a legal battle regarding Law Number 23 of 2011 on Zakat (a form of almsgiving) Management. The lawsuit, filed by Yayasan Dompet Dhuafa Republika, Perkumpulan Forum Zakat Jakarta, and Arif Rahmadi Haryono, challenges several articles that are perceived as detrimental to civil society’s role in managing zakat. This judicial review has gained significant attention, particularly with the involvement of high-profile legal figures Bambang Widjojanto and Denny Indrayana as the petitioners’ legal representatives.
Political Show: Dismantling Illegal Sea Fence in Tangerang
Thousands of personnel, consisting of the Indonesian Navy, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), and fishermen, were deployed on Wednesday (22/01) to dismantle the 30-km illegal fence off Tangerang coast in Banten, West Java. This operation was a direct order from President Prabowo Subianto and attended by many important figures, including some ministers, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali, Director General of PSDKP KPP Pung Nugroho Saksono, as well as Chairperson of Commission IV of the House of Representatives Titiek Soeharto.
Aruss Hotel & Online Gambling (2)
National police has yet to reveal full names of witnesses in the investigation into money laundering allegedly committed by owner of Aruss Hotel in Semarang, Central Java. Corporate deed of PT Arta Jaya Putra, however, pointed to RH and FH as controlling owner. Who are they?