Military Insurer Asabri Rebuffs Allegations of Corruption

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The alleged corruption and stock issues endured by the military insurer and pension fund Asabri was the main discussion of Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investments, Luhut Pandjaitan, and SOE Deputy Minister Kartika Wirjoatmodjo in a recent meeting.

“I might not acknowledge yet that [there were any misconduct] but let the investigation and legal process continue if anyone says otherwise,” said Luhut at his headquarters on Thursday, January 16.

Previously reported, the coordinating minister of politics, law, and security affairs Mahfud MD suspects the Asabri case involves corruption of up to Rp10 trillion, along with the fall of 90 percent of Asabri’s stock portfolio in the capital market. 

The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) went as far as to predict that the military insurer has sustained investment losses that exceed Rp16 trillion. 

However, hours before Luhut’s meeting with Kartika, Asabri management held a press conference at their headquarters in East Jakarta that saw its president director, the retired lieutenant general Sonny Widjaja, strongly denied the suspicions voiced by Mahfud MD. 

Sonny also threatened to take matters to court due to the plethora of news reports on a possible corruption that has marred Asabri. “Stop the talks that are tendentious and could cause more problems. If this continues, regretfully, I will take matters to court,” he said.

Responding to the statement by Asabri’s president director, Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said that the audit, set to be held soon, will provide clear answers regarding this matter. 

FAJAR PEBRIANTO