Jakarta – Economic and Political Analyst from the National Economic and Financial Investigation Institute (LPEKN), Sasmito Hadinagoro, has alleged that the acquisition of Bank Central Asia (BCA) by Djarum Group, owned by Budi Hartono, during Megawati Soekarnoputri's administration, caused significant financial losses to the state. Sasmito claims the transaction undervalued BCA’s assets, making it appear as if it was "practically free."
According to Sasmito, the issue began when BCA, initially owned by the Salim Group, was taken over by the government following the Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) scandal after the fall of Soeharto’s regime. The government aimed to sell BCA to recover BLBI funds, but efforts were unfruitful until 1999.
In 2002, under Megawati's administration, the government decided to sell 51% of BCA's shares to the public. Sasmito suspects these shares were purchased by Farallon, allegedly a shell company owned by Budi Hartono in Singapore, for IDR 5 trillion. However, Sasmito asserts that BCA’s total assets at the time exceeded IDR 200 trillion.
State Losses Estimated at IDR 200 Trillion
Sasmito revealed that BCA's assets consisted of physical assets worth IDR 100 trillion, recap bonds worth IDR 60 trillion, and interest totaling IDR 42 trillion, amounting to more than IDR 200 trillion. "But the majority shares were sold for only IDR 5 trillion. It's akin to getting a giant asset for free," he remarked on Monday (30/12/2024).
As a result, he claims the state suffered a massive financial loss. Today, BCA’s total assets have grown to IDR 1,400 trillion, making it one of Indonesia’s largest banks.
Accusations Against Megawati-Era Officials
Sasmito pointed fingers at several officials from Megawati's administration who he believes were responsible for the transaction, namely former Finance Minister Boediono, former SOE Minister Laksamana Sukardi, and former Coordinating Economic Minister Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti.
"These three ministers should be held accountable for the state losses resulting from the underpriced sale of BCA shares," Sasmito asserted.
Unaddressed Reports
Sasmito claimed to have reported the case to various law enforcement agencies, including the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), but the reports have yet to be acted upon. "I've protested at the KPK 12 times. All the data has been handed over, but the case seems to have gone cold," he lamented.
He also mentioned findings from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), which indicated that BCA still owed BLBI debts amounting to IDR 26.5 trillion as of 2024.
Appeal to President Prabowo Subianto
Sasmito hopes that President Prabowo Subianto will demonstrate his commitment to eradicating corruption by reopening the BLBI case. "President Prabowo must show courage in tackling major corruption cases. He must not follow the example of previous administrations that were merely NATO (No Action, Talk Only)," he concluded.
This case has reignited public attention, given the alleged magnitude of state losses and its implications for public trust in Indonesia's anti-corruption efforts. (Inilah)
