The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has alleged that certain lawmakers misused trillions of rupiah distributed by the central bank under a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. On Tuesday (Jan 21), Asep Guntur, the director of investigations at KPK, stated that the total amount involved reaches trillions and will be disclosed in detail later. CNN Indonesia’s reported that one trillion rupiah is approximately equivalent to US$61.55 million.
Allegations of Fund Misuse by DPR Lawmakers and Bank Indonesia’s Officials
I”If lawmakers used the funds appropriately for CSR programs, such as constructing school buildings, then there is no issue, but we have indications of misuse,” said Asep, as quoted by the Jakarta Globe. The House of Representatives (DPR), part of Indonesia’s national legislature, comprises these lawmakers and forms one of the two elected chambers of the People’s Consultative Assembly.
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The DPR has 11 commissions, and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is reportedly investigating members of Commission XI, which oversees finance matters, national development planning, and the financial services sector, in connection with the Bank Indonesia corruption probe. The KPK has not yet named any suspects but has questioned several lawmakers and central bank officials, including National Democratic Party (NasDem) politician Satori.
Misuse of CSR Funds in Cirebon: Satori’s Admission and KPK’s Ongoing Investigation
After questioning on Dec 27, Satori reportedly admitted that he received funds from Bank Indonesia to finance social programs for constituents in his electoral district. He also claimed that all members of Commission XI received similar funds through a foundation. However, KPK’s Asep told CNN Indonesia that Satori allegedly misused the funds in his electoral district of Cirebon in West Java.
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The agency plans to release further details as the investigation progresses. In September last year, the agency announced that it was investigating CSR programs run in 2023 by the country’s financial regulators, including the central bank, for potential misuse of funds, according to media reports.