Indonesia's central bank finds itself embroiled in controversy as it faces allegations of misused funds channelled to lawmakers through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) launched an investigation into whether these funds, amounting to trillions of rupiah, were misappropriated. On December 16, the KPK conducted raids on Bank Indonesia's Jakarta headquarters and the office of central bank governor Perry Warjiyo. The agency plans to disclose further details as the investigation unfolds.
The investigation centers on members of Commission XI, which oversees finance, national development planning, and the financial services sector. The committee comprises 11 members, all of whom allegedly received funds through a foundation. Among them, Satori, a National Democratic Party (NasDem) politician, is accused of misusing funds in his electoral district of Cirebon in West Java. He purportedly received funds from Bank Indonesia to support social programmes for his constituents.
The KPK began its probe in September last year. Asep Guntur, director of investigations at the KPK, noted that the agency is examining CSR programmes conducted by Indonesia's financial regulators in 2023, including those of the central bank. Guntur has indicated that although the exact amount of misused funds will be announced later, the misuse could potentially be substantial.
"We are talking about trillions (of rupiah) but the exact amount will be announced later," said Asep Guntur.
The investigation seeks to determine if the funds were appropriately utilized for CSR initiatives such as constructing school buildings. However, indications suggest possible misuse.
"If the funds were used appropriately for CSR programmes, such as construction of school buildings, then there is no issue, but we have indications of misuse," explained Asep Guntur.
The KPK's focus includes assessing whether only a portion of the funds was used for the intended purposes. Guntur highlighted potential personal gain scenarios if significant portions of the funds were not deployed as planned.
"For example, (if we find that) only 50 per cent of the CSR fund was used (for social programmes) and the remaining 50 per cent was not used, the remaining 50 per cent could have been used for personal gain," he added.
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