Indonesian Govt Agency for Anti-Corruption Apologises for Official’s Remark Calling S’pore “Paradise for Fugitives of Corruption”

By
Megan
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Last Friday (9 Apr), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) refuted remarks allegedly made by an Indonesian graft official, who called Singapore a “paradise for fugitives of corruption”. 

MFA responded by saying that there was “no basis to the allegations” and that Singapore has assisted Indonesia on past and current investigations. 

Now, Indonesia’s anti-graft body, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), has apologised for the remark that had been made by its senior official. 

Here’s all that you need to know. 

Indonesian Govt Agency for Anti-Corruption Apologises for Official’s Remark Calling S’pore “Paradise for Fugitives of Corruption”

According to KPK spokesman Ali Frikri, the remark was “not intended to disparage any system or laws” in Singapore. 

The official who made the remark, Police Inspector-General Karyoto, is a senior officer in charge of enforcement and execution at KPK. 

He said that Singapore provided a safe haven for graft fugitives and that it was difficult to crack down on Indonesian suspects, particularly since both countries still did not have an extradition treaty. 

MFA said that both countries had previously signed the Extradition Treaty and Defence Cooperation Agreement together in April 2007, but both were still awaiting ratification by the Indonesian Parliament. 

KPK said in its apology statement that it had worked with Singapore to investigate several corruption cases. This includes a large-scale electronic ID graft case in which Singapore facilitated witness interviews, exchanged information and traced assets for Indonesia. 

This was in line with the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA).

Both countries are also party to the MLA in Criminal Matters among Like-minded ASEAN Member Countries. Cooperation in this area already takes place in congruence with Singapore’s domestic laws and international obligations. 

The case involved alleged embezzlement and cost Indonesia 2.3 trillion rupiah (~S$215 million) in losses, affecting many Members of Parliament. 

Mr Ali also added that Singapore had helped KPK in the summoning of suspects in another high-profile graft case involving Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support (BLBI) funds, and that KPK would soon be consulting Singapore’s aid in delivering a warrant to two suspects believed to be in Singapore after investigations in their case had come to a conclusion. 

In the statement, the suspects were referred to only by their initials, SN and ISN. However, they are believed to be Mr Sjamsul Nursalim, owner of Bank Dagang Negara Indonesia, as well as his wife, Mrs Itjih Sjamsul Nursalim.

Mr Ali said, “We hope and trust that the KPK and the CPIB will continue to maintain friendly relations and communications, in the mutual commitment to cooperate in fighting corrupt practices.”

Feature Image: CAHYADI SUGI / Shutterstock.com

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Megan
Email: [email protected]