On the BLBI Scandal: Updates
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, recently confiscated some of the assets on behalf of Irjanto Ongko, son of Kaharudin Ongko of Ongko Multicorpora. Confiscation of assets related to other obligors also continues. Interestingly, the Police announced that they had named suspects asset embezzlement related to BLBI. The Police suspect individuals in the Ministry of Finance had colluded with land mafias.
Noteworthy Statement from the President’s Son
The Mayor of Solo Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is also the eldest son of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, gave a statement on Thursday (March 24). Even though it’s a brief statement, it is still noteworthy because it is his response to the rumors surrounding a third term or a term extension for Jokowi and the wedding of Jokowi’s sister with the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK) Anwar Usman.
Jokowi & Prabowo
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is visiting East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Bali. Interestingly, this time, the President was accompanied by the Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, who is also the chairman of the Gerindra Party.
Development on the Budget Mafia Case
It has been over three years since the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed a grand criminal scheme, which was later dubbed the Budget Mafia case. The case started with a simple arrest of Amin Santono, a former Democratic Party politician. It has now brought down dozens of parties, including too many regional leaders. The latest catch is the former Regent of Tabanan, Ni Putu Eka Wiryastuti (PDIP), and Rifa Surya. The announcement is long overdue.
Update on the Corruption in Banjarnegara
In August 2021, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) announced the Banjarnegara Regent as a suspect of corruption. The revelation made headlines because the Regent, Budhi Sarwono, strongly denied all allegations. The trial started in January 2022 and recently a witness confirmed the KPK’s allegations that the Regent received a sum of money in exchange for granting construction projects.
Ahok’s Future & Cabinet Reshuffle
Many wonder about the future of the former Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a.k.a Ahok, who is known as a political ally of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, after the President chose someone else to lead the new capital city authority body. Some said that Ahok would become a minister should Jokowi make changes in his cabinet. But will Ahok end up in the cabinet?
Puan’s Statement
The House Speaker Puan Maharani, who is also the daughter of PDIP Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri, addressed some crucial issues in an interview with CNN Indonesia. One worth highlighting is about the 2024 presidential race.
Revising the Jakarta Capital City Law (3)
The Central Government has asked the Jakarta City Administration to soon revise the academic draft on the revision of the Jakarta Capital City Law No. 29/2007 as the capital city will be moved to East Kalimantan following the passage of the Law on the New Capital City (UU IKN) No. 3/2022. The Government is seeking to propose the said draft on the revision of Law 29/2007 to the DPR as part of the 2023 National Priority Legislation Program (Prolegnas).
PDIP Drops Plan to Amend the Constitution
The ruling party PDIP confirmed that the Party is no longer seeking to amend the 1945 Constitution. PDIP made the decision having observed the development of the idea to postpone the 2024 elections and change the length of the presidential term to three periods.
Jokowi, SBY & the Wedding of CT’s Daughter
The most interesting thing about the wedding ceremony of Putri Tanjung, the daughter of Transcorp/CT Corp Boss Chairul Tanjung (CT), and Guinandra Jatikusumo on Sunday (March 20) is the presence of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). Both Jokowi and SBY were the witnesses in the said wedding.