Indonesia loses $3.3 billion in five years of corruption cases

Indonesia loses $3.3 billion in five years of corruption cases

2011-12-10 17:48:22 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- More than 300 cases of embezzlement over the past five years have cost the Indonesian government more than Rp 29.5 trillion ($3.3 billion), the country's financial watchdog said on Friday.

Hasan Bisri, the deputy chairman of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), spoke at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Friday, informing of the accumulated losses, which also includes $480 million in foreign currency in addition to the embezzlement cases.

All the 318 cases were forwarded to the corresponding law enforcement agencies, according to Hasan, as quoted by the Jakarta Globe. He added that he would still monitor the cases to ensure that appropriate action is being taken.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono previously 'declared war' against corruption and excessive state spending, but activists claim one of the most corrupted areas of the government is the State Palace.

Yuna Farhan, secretary general of the Forum for Budget Transparency, said no real action has ever been taken as the president ordered less spending last year but at the same time filed a budget increase.

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