"As regards the case of Merpati-Elnusa, BPK is preparing further measures," said BPK Head Hadi Poernomo on Wednesday, June 1. This step, said Hadi, is aimed at preventing future difficulties from occurring within the respective SOEs or other SOEs.
In the mean time, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked BPK to be transparent in looking into and auditing the two SOEs. "Don't let suspicion arouse," said Yudhoyono.
In case there are infringements and corruptions in the two SOEs, said Yudhoyono, BPK must be open about this. "We are tired of political maneuvers."
Merpati is tied to the case of the purchase of MA60 aircraft made by China's Xi'an Aircraft Company. The issue was highlighted after one of MA60 units crashed in Kaimana, West Papua, May 7. The purchase of 15 units of this model was questioned because Xi'an had not yet pocketed the license from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for MA60 type.
In addition, former Vice President Jusuf Kalla rejected the purchase of the aircraft. Kalla also inquired into the price of the aircraft.
Elnusa issue surfaced after the company's account at PT Bank Mega Tbk Jababeka branch was subjected to fraud. The police have named suspects who allegedly embezzled Elnusa's money amounting to Rp111 billion.
