Demand for Forestry Minister Kaban to be Accountable
Monday, 21 April, 2008 | 17:03 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Pelalawan Regent Tengku Azmun Jaafar is demanding that Forestry Minister M.S. Kaban and Riau Governor Rusli Zainal be held accountable for the issuance of licenses for forestry concession right in his regency.

”I am not trying to blame anyone,” he told Tempo yesterday (20/4).

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is accusing Azmun of having received bribes amounting to R1 billion for issuing of timber usage licenses to several companies.

State investigators found the licenses that were intended for vacant lands were used for jungle and this resulted in the state suffering financial losses of Rp1.3 trillion.

KPK declared Azmun as suspect on August 13, 2007, and he has been detained at the National Police Headquarters' detention center since December 14, 2007.

At KPK Office last Monday, Minister Kaban said that licenses issued by Azmun during the period of 2001-2006 were under dispute.

”They are not in compliance with the provisions applicable at the time,” Kaban told reporters.

Azmun said he was of the opinion that if the licenses were deemed under dispute, then other parties should also be held accountable.

“The Governor issues the recommendation for the Annual Work Plan and the Minister is obliged to supervise it,” he said.

According to Azmun, the Minister is authorized to revoke such licenses if they are not appropriately used, based on verification results.

”So why did the Minister let this occur?” he said

In addition, according to Azmun, the central government has the role of assigning an inspector to check logs receipts at companies holding log usage licenses.

“By virtue of the Gubernatorial decision, the Minister should also provide recommendations,” he said.

Based on data obtained by Tempo, all licenses issued by Azmun have been verified by the Minister of Forestry.

Minister Kaban, who was contacted last Saturday, said he had no knowledge of the license issuance.

”I only verify them, but this does not necessarily mean I give my approval.” he said.

Until yesterday Governor Rusli Zainal could not be reached for confirmation.

NURLIS | TOMI | PURBORINI | FANNY FEBYANTI