Another Loss for the KPPU
The Commission for the Supervision of Business Competition (KPPU) concluded that PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) had engaged in monopolistic practices in North Sumatera related to industrial gas supply and prices on November last year. PGN filed an objection at the West Jakarta District Court and won. This is the third loss for KPPU within the past two months. What is going on with the KPPU?
The Latest on the E-KTP Graft Case
The trial of Setya Novanto as a graft suspect in the electronic identity card (E-KTP) procurement project continues. This week, the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court held two hearings and summoned several witnesses, some of whom provided interesting statements.
BOLT v. Ministry of Communication and Informatics
PT Internux (Lippo Group), operator of BOLT was the only service provider operating at a frequency of 2,300 Mhz. This changed in 2014 when the Government through the Ministry of Communications and Informatics decided to grant permission to PT Smartfren Telecom Tbk (FREN) (previously owned by Bakrie family, then sold to MNC Group, and now controlled by Sinar Mas Group) to operate at the same frequency beginning in mid-2015. In 2016, Internux filed a lawsuit and demanded compensation for the Ministry’s decision. Internux won the lawsuit at the district court level. A few days ago, the Ministry declared they had filed a cassation against the previous verdict. But in addition to this dispute, Internux is also in dispute with PT Huawei Tech Investment, and asked for a compensation of Rp8 trillion.
On the Jambi Graft Case: Suspect Governor?
Two months have passed since the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a Sting Operation in Jambi and named four suspects. Since then, many have wondered whether the KPK would investigate the involvement of Jambi’s governor Zumi Zola Zulkifli. On January 31, 2018, the KPK again raided the Governor’s residence and news emerged that the KPK had asked for a travel ban to be imposed on Zumi Zola. The KPK have not announced the Governor’s legal status, but several national media outlets had already reported that their sources mentioned Zumi as a suspect.
Law Journal
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) is investigating allegation of graft concerning the Jakarta Bay Reclamation project. Polda Metro Jaya summoned the Minister of Agrarian Affairs Sofyan Djalil to be examined on January 29, 2018. Sofyan, however, is on leave and cannot answer the summon. Separately, the trial of the disgraced Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Nur Alam continues.
PKPU Journal
PT Namasindo Plas entered their period of Suspension of Debts Payment after the Panel of Judges granted the lawsuit filed by one of its creditor. The Panel of Judges also declined the intervention from PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BBNI). Separately, the insolvency process of PT Hanjung Indonesia continues.
The End for Helmi Kamal Lubis?
The former President Director of Dana Pensiun Pertamina M. Helmi Kamal Lubis, who was named a graft suspect following the problematic purchase of shares of PT Sugih Energy Tbk (SUGI) over a year ago, was found guilty on January 29, 2018. Of the several charges listed by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), the Panel of Judges decided that Helmi violated the subsidiary charges. The Panel of Judges ordered the AGO to return and/or unblock some of Helmi’s assets that are considered unrelated to the crime. But even though the trial is over, there are still unanswered questions.
PT Kembang 88 Multifinance v. Creditors
The financing company PT Kembang Delapan Delapan Multifinance (Kembang 88) submitted a request for debt restructuring through the Suspension of Debts Payment (PKPU) process in January 2017. By July 2017, the PKPU process was resolved. Nevertheless, Kembang 88 continues to face problems, including lawsuit from several creditors who do not approve of the peace agreement. In addition, Kembang 88 must also face warnings from the Financial Services Authority.
The Police and Politics
Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo reportedly proposed to assign two high-ranking officials from the National Police to serve as acting governor in two strategic provinces. This news instantly led to a debate. Many consider this decision to be against the law. The problem is that Tjahjo made similar decisions in 2017, but there was no uproar.
Harjani Prem Ramchand v Bank Mandiri
The Central Jakarta District Court registered a tort lawsuit filed by one Harjani Prem Ramchand on January 23, 2018. The lawsuit was filed against the Chairman of the State Receivables Committee of the Jakarta branch and PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk.