James Riady Vows to Support KPK Probe Into Alleged Bribery of Bekasi Officials
Jakarta. Indonesian businessman James Riady said on Tuesday that he respects and supports an investigation by the national antigraft agency into the alleged bribery of local government officials in Bekasi, West Java, and that he would continue to cooperate, if needed, by providing further statements to investigators at any time.
James was questioned as a witness in the case allegedly involving several officials of the Bekasi district government and alleged representatives of Mahkota Sentosa Utama, the developer of the Meikarta project in Cikarang, Bekasi district.
"Allow me to say that I personally did not know and had no involvement in the bribery case in Bekasi," James told reporters after making a witness statement at the offices of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in South Jakarta on Tuesday.
The agency also questioned one of two suspects in the case, Bekasi district head Neneng Hassanah Yasin, on Tuesday.
"I have just finished providing a statement to the KPK in my personal capacity. I have answered 59 questions on a broad range of issues," James said after leaving the agency's offices at 6:30 p.m.
He said he was being cooperative and provided all information needed for the KPK investigation, adding that he supports the commission in the entire process. "I really appreciate the KPK's attitude, which is very professional," James said.
He added that he only met with Neneng once, after she had given birth late last year.
"It is true, I met with the district head once, when she had just given birth. I happened to be in Lippo Cikarang when I was told that she had just given birth," he said.
James said he was invited to visit her.
"I just stopped by to congratulate her. We did not talk about anything else. There was no discussion on permits. I had no discussion about business, or anything, with her. That's what I told the KPK," he said.
Neneng corroborated James's story later on Tuesday, saying that she did meet with him but that the conversation was only about general matters.
Multiplier Effect
The Meikarta project is expected to have a major multiplier effect on the Indonesian economy. The project would create jobs, increase tax revenues and stimulate economic activity in the area, which would eventually contribute to a rise in the country's gross domestic product.It was noted that the project has so far created employment for around 70,000 people, ranging from construction workers, foremen, and cleaners, to architects, interior designers and managerial staff.
The total investment value of the project is about Rp 278 trillion ($18 billion), sourced from a large number of investors and involving 120 companies as partners. This would make a significant contribution to Indonesia's GDP of $1 trillion.
The integrated development is also in line with government programs to improve access to housing, as the country currently faces an estimated shortage of 12 million residential units, leaving many people without affordable places to live.
Meikarta, located just east of Jakarta, is further expected to reduce the residential burden on an already overcrowded capital city.
Tags: Keywords: