Hatta Ali’s Second Term as the Chief of the Supreme Court
On February 14, 2017, the Supreme Court (MA) voted to elect the next chief of MA for the period of 2017-2022. And as expected, Justice Hatta Ali won his re-election with 38 votes from 47 voters. Hatta Ali has a long career in Indonesia’s legal field, but in recent years, under his leadership, a lot of officials within the judiciary system have been caught for committing crime. Can Hatta Ali restore the reputation of the institution with this extended term?
On Lulu Group’s Tax Case: Indictment
The trial of Rajesh Rajmohanan Nair, the managing director of Lulu Group International’s subsidiary PT EK Prima Ekspor (EKP), began on February 13, 2017 at the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court. The defendant is suspected of bribing an official of the Directorate General of Taxation in a tax evasion case.
Welcoming PT Asuransi Jiwa Bersama
On February 12, 2017 Asuransi Jiwa Bersama Bumiputera (AJBB) officially launched its grand-subsidiary PT Asuransi Jiwa Bersama (AJB) as part of its restructuring process. AJB received a capital injection from PT Bumiputera Investama Indonesia (BII), the subsidiary of PT Bumiputera 1912 (B 1912). The man chosen to lead the Company as president director is Albertus Wiroyo Karsono, the former president director of PT Mandiri Axa General Insurance.
Pressures toward TDM Berhad’s Indonesian Subsidiary
Last Friday (Feb 10), TDM Berhad, a plantation firm listed on KL Stock Exchange, released two important announcements related to lawsuits filed by Indonesian Suryati and Malaysian firm Modipalm Engineering Sdn Bhd. What’s going on?
Update on the E-KTP Graft Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is sticking with their promise to continue investigating the allegations of graft in the procurement of electronic identity cards (E-KTP) in the period of 2011-2012. A few weeks ago the KPK said that they had confiscated a sum of Rp250 billion that is believed to be proceeds of crime related to the case. The KPK also examined PDI-P politician Olly Dondokambey. Last week, the KPK confiscated money were collected from several members of the House of Representatives and corporations, who opted to return the graft money they received. But unfortunately the KPK did not name the parties from whom the money was confiscated.
Updates on the AGO’s Investigation into Pertamina’s Subsidiaries
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is making progress in their investigation into the allegations of graft involving the subsidiaries of PT Pertamina (Persero). In the case involving PT Pertamina Patra Niaga (Patra Niaga), the AGO has finally named 4 suspects. And in the case involving PT Pertamina Trans Kontinental, the AGO has explained the details of the case.
On Patrialis Akbar’s Case : MK’s Decision
Constitutional Court (MK) Justice Patrialis Akbar was arrested for allegedly receiving bribes in connection to the deliberation of the Judicial Review (JR) on Law No. 41/2014. But despite the on-going investigation into Patrialis’ bribery, the MK moved ahead and published their decision on said JR on February 7, 2017. The Constitutional Court’s Assembly decided to partially grant the petition filed by the JR applicants.
Ahok and the Temporary Dismissal of Regional Leaders
The incumbent Governor of Jakarta Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has been non-active ever since the start of the campaign season. He’s due to return to office this coming February 11. The problem is that Ahok is currently facing a blasphemy trial, and for that the Ministry of Home Affairs could decide to yet again declare the Governor non-active for the purpose of facing the law. Some politicians have asked the Ministry to do just that, but the Ministry has not yet decided on the matter. They’re still in deliberation. So in the mean time, let us ask the Ministry to consider this: there are regional leaders who are still working even though they’re standing trial for graft. On one particular case, a regional leader was even sworn in in prison. In that context, the Ministry of Home Affairs might want to be extra careful.
Demands for Irman Gusman
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) did not waste their time in investigating the allegation of bribery in the distribution of sugar quota for West Sumatera. The investigation first brought down the former Chairman of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Irman Gusman. Soon afterwards the KPK completed the docket for the suspects in the case, all in only 2 months. The trial of suspect Irman Gusman began in November 2016. And recently, the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court heard the public prosecutors demands for defendant Irman Gusman.
Update on Central Steel’s PKPU
PT Central Steel Indonesia (CSI) entered their period of Suspension of Debts Payment (PKPU) in August 2016. Their creditors recently agreed to giving them an additional time of 30 days for working out their peace proposal. The Company will continue to negotiate with their creditors, but the process will not be easy because there are additional bills from the creditors, and the PKPU administrators team is trying to convince the potential investors to not change their mind over the changes of figures.