Ethics Committee Summons Aceh Bill Special Committee Head
Tuesday, 27 June, 2006 | 12:55 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The House of Representatives (DPR) Ethics Committee has planned to summon Aceh Government Bill (RUU PA) Special Committee Head Ferry Mursyidan Baldan this Thursday for a meeting. The summons is regarding the funds distributed by the Home Affairs Department to RUU PA Special Committee members some time ago. “We will continue investigating this matter,” said Slamet Effendy Yusuf, DPR Ethics Committee Chairman at his office in the Parliament complex yesterday (26/6).

According to the Golkar Party politician, the summons has been sent to his staff a few days ago. However, Slamet was not prepared to convey the agenda of the meeting on Thursday. “After that we will call the RUU PA Special Committee Secretariat of the Government of Aceh,” he said.

The case of distributing Rp5 million to each of the RUU PA Special Committee members by the Home Affairs Department was uncovered a few months ago. Debate came to the surface. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) warned that if it were not reported, the case could be considered a bribery case. The Home Affairs Department took action, sending a letter to KPK. Finally, KPK concluded this matter.

According to Slamet, although KPK has concluded it is over, it does not affect the process by the DPR Ethics Committee. “KPK may say it's over because it's matter of law. But the Ethics Committee deals with ethics,” he argued. “We will process all the reports of DPR members delivered to the Ethics Committee,” said Slamet.

The Ethics Committee still is clarifying the matter. “We will see whether there are violations or not during the clarification process,” he said. Ferry Mursyidan Baldan said he is ready to be called by the DPR Ethics Committee. “If I'm called, I'll come,” he said. However he hopes that the institution's summons will not disturb the RUU PA process. “This mustn't be a way to hinder the RUU PA. The bill has entered the last phase,” said the Golkar Party politician.

Raden Rachmadi