BPK’s Forensic Audit of Bank Century is Widely Criticized

The results of the State Audit Agency’s (Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan – BPK) forensic audit have been widely criticized. According to economic analyst Yanuar Rizky, BPK audited the Bank Century case with some trepidation. He said that the audit process was not conducted properly, since it does not explain any connection between the bailout policy and the fraud.

“In my opinion, the focus of this audit was distorted to ensnare some individuals, and it does not prove any presumption of fact,” he said to hukumonline, Friday (30/12).

One of the most highlighted findings from the audits is unusual transaction from HEW, a Democratic Party politician and a member of the President’s family. Yanuar hoped that public will not be distracted by this name.

In response to BPK’s excuse that they were limited by Capital Market Law and Banking Law, Yanuar said the Chairman of BPK, Hadi Purnomo, uses too much rhetoric and is not qualified to be an auditor.

Bambang Soesatyo, a member of Commission III was also disappointed. He explained that the audit results are a bitter year-end present, since they are inconsistent with information reported to the public. 

Bambang said the audit did not reveal much information. The audit did not address suspected illegal cash flows, even though the last audit showed that the bailout was transferred to several groups to fund political activities in 2009.

“In addition, funds were also transferred to foundations and companies. If these findings are not presented in the final audit, it will be more difficult to close the case,” he said. Bambang also suspected that the Chairman of BPK chose to play it safe during the audit due to outside pressures.

The forensic audit results that were handed in to the House of Representatives last week did not show any effort to settle the Bank Century case. Even though BPK presented 13 findings, the findings tended to simplify the issue. Even the House and Corruption Eradication Commission found the results discouraging.

The audit might reveal a cash trail leading to several parties including the president’s family. But those findings were only revealed to spice up the final results of the forensic audit.

Meanwhile, Hadi Poernomo stated that the results were an improvement. He was surprised that the House is unsatisfied with it. He asserted that the audit was conducted freely, without interference.

He also said that BPK is ready to be investigated later, which is allowed pursuant to Law No. 15 of 2006 on State Audit Agency. “We can be investigated by a government auditor from other countries. This has happened twice and the results were good,” he explained.

(M Agus Yozami / Aurora Meliala)