PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk (WSKT) continues to face problems. In addition to the investigation into allegations of corruption in its subsidiary, PT Waskita Beton Precast Tbk (WSBP), which was finally ensnared the company’s president director two months ago, the company must face a new PKPU lawsuit from one of its bondholders. This is the fourth PKPU lawsuit filed against the company this year and the court examination is ongoing. To make things worse, the State Capital Injection (PMN) which had previously been approved by the Government, was canceled last week. On social media, news circulated from several former employees who stated that they would support the vendors in filing a new lawsuit. The condition of the company is very critical.

Fuad Hasan Masyhur, father-in-law of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo, was recently subpoenaed by a businessman from South Sulawesi, Annar Salahuddin Sampetoding. Annar claimed that Fuad had debt and interest worth more than Rp100 billion, which came from a sale and purchase transaction between the two, but it turned out that there was a family feud between the agreements.

In the beginning of last year, the Satgas BLBI (Satuan Tugas Penanganan Hak Tagih Negara Dana Bantuan Likuiditas Bank Indonesia), a task force under Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati’s supervision to recover funds related to the 1997-1998 financial crisis, confiscated some of the assets on behalf of Ulung Bursa (Bank Lautan Berlian). Ulung once decided to fight back but then reached some sort of agreement with the Satgas. Over a year later, this week, the confiscated assets were announced to be auctioned.

Back in September 2022, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) reported that they are handling three different cases of alleged corruption and ensnaring three regional leaders, they are then Governor of Papua, Lukas Enembe (Demokrat); then Mimika Regent, Eltinus Omaleng (Golkar); and then Mamberamo Tengah Regent, Ricky Ham Pagawak (Demokrat). Long before the KPK officially announced their cases, however, Ricky managed to escape. He was caught in February 2023 and this week, Ricky finally stands trial as a graft defendant.

The latest Sting Operation Committed by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) caused an unexpected drama. The operation was conducted related to alleged corruption in a project belonging to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), then the KPK officially named five suspects in this case, including the Chief of Basarnas, Air Marshal Henri Alfiandi. Henri allegedly received grafts worth a whooping Rp88 billion (nearly US$6 million) in just two years. Amidst the public’s shock, however, the TNI caused a commotion. They protested the KPK’s decision because two suspects were active military officers. The situation got worse because the problematic Deputy Chief of KPK, Johanis Tanak, apologized and blamed his subordinates. The public witnessed yet another internal brawl within the KPK as the KPK Chief, Firli Bahuri, gave a statement that was contrary to what Johanis presented. With so much drama happening in less than a week plus public pressure, the TNI has finally officially named Henri and his staff as suspects in the same case. What can we learn from this?

Anies Baswedan ended his term in office towards the end of 2022 and Heru Budi Hartono, then chief of the Presidential Secretariat and an admirable former bureaucrat of the Jakarta provincial office, was appointed as acting Jakarta governor. Anies’ departure did not attract much attention, but Heru’s appointment caused various reactions. Many are nostalgic for his achievements during the term of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama and Heru immediately proved his worth. Within a few days of taking office, Heru immediately prioritized several projects that Anies failed to complete, including continuing the Sodetan Ciliwung project which had been stalled for over six years. This week, the project was finally inaugurated by the President.

In May 2023, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a field trip with several Ministers to Lampung. After proving the poor road access in Lampung, the Government decided to repair the damaged roads. Initially, the President’s action was ridiculed because it didn’t provide a good lesson for regional leaders, however, the legal basis for the takeover of road repairs has long been approved. After Lampung, the condition of several other regions has also received attention and until now, the Government stated that it had spent at least Rp7 trillion to carry out the required improvements.

The Satgas BLBI are facing new problems while running against time because their term of duty is almost over. This time two lawsuits were registered to the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN Jakarta) against the decision of the Satgas for the confiscation that was carried out several months ago. One of the plaintiffs is Dwijanto Gondokusumo.

Last week, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) carried out a Sting Operation related to alleged corruption in a project belonging to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). This news is surprising because Basarnas should play a very important role in the country, they are responsible for the lives of many people. However, even in an institution with this noble duty, corruption is unavoidable. On July 26, 2023, the KPK officially named five suspects in this case, including the Chief of Basarnas, Air Marshal Henri Alfiandi. Henri allegedly received grafts worth a whooping Rp88 billion (nearly US$6 million) in just two years. Amidst the public’s shock, however, the TNI caused a commotion. They protested the KPK’s decision because two suspects were active military officers. The situation got worse because the problematic Deputy Chief of KPK, Johanis Tanak, apologized and blamed his subordinates. However, by law, the KPK should not apologize.