'Jero Wacik Used Govt Funds for Father's Funeral, Designer Bags'
Jakarta. Former energy and tourism minister Jero Wacik misused the government's operational funds to pay for his father's elaborate Balinese cremation ritual, massage treatments, concert tickets for his daughter and designer handbags for his wife, a witness claimed on Monday.
The Jakarta Anti-Corruption Court heard the testimony of Luh Ayu Rusminingsih, the administrative affairs head at the Ministry of Tourism, who confirmed prosecutors' allegations that the Democratic Party politician had abused his power, causing some Rp 7 billion ($522,000) in state losses during his time as minister in 2008-11.
Luh told the court that the former minister once asked her to disburse the Ministerial Operational Funds (DOM) to pay for his father's cremation ceremony in Bali and plane tickets for family members.
A Balinese cremation ceremony, or Ngaben, can be a huge cultural event involving hundreds of musicians, dancers and elaborate rituals. The event can be so costly that only the very wealthy can afford the most elaborate cremations.
Luh tried to warn Jero that such expenses are not covered by the DOM but Jero allegedly told her to create fictitious activities to avoid suspicion.
“I was told to make fictitious travel arrangements for a number of staffers. My own name was also included,” she told the court.
Fictitious purchases, such as congratulatory flower bouquets and gifts for non-existent guests, were made to mask Jero's personal expenses.
Among the many personal expenses Jero allegedly used the DOM funds for were massages.
“I was once asked by the minister to buy tickets for his children, plane tickets and concert tickets. The minister's wife also bought a sash, scarves and handbags [using DOM funds],” she continued.
Jero had earlier admitted to using DOM money for personal expenses but claimed he was merely borrowing the money, which he claimed had already been returned.
Jero was also accused of extortion during his time at the helm of the Energy Ministry in 2011-14, racking up an amount of Rp 10 billion.
If proven guilty, Jero could face a 20-year jail term.
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