Joko Tjandra Called Tommy Sumardi Initially Pegged Red Notice Costs Of IDR 25 Billion, Negotiated To IDR 10 Billion

JAKARTA - The Public Prosecutor (JPU) presented Joko Tjandra as a witness in the alleged red notice bribery case against the defendant Brigadier General Prasetijo Utomo.

During the trial, Joko Tjandra revealed that Tommy Sumardi put up an initial figure of Rp25 billion to check the status of a red notice.

"I asked Tommy to do a check, in March. I'm in Malaysia, Tommy in Jakarta. Communication (via) telephone," said Joko Tjandra during a trial at the Corruption Court, Central Jakarta, Monday, December 14.

After communication was established, a few days later Tommy Sumardi agreed to his request. But with a note that there needs to be money to make it smooth.

"How long after that, 'can I help, to check, but there is a cost, Joko'," said Joko imitating Tommy's statement.

Joko Tjandra then asked how much he had to pay. Tommy answered that it was to clear the name from the DPO status of Rp. 25 billion.

But Joko Tjandra did not agree immediately. Because initially Joko Tjandra only agreed to Rp. 5 billion. The two of them negotiated and agreed on the figure of Rp10 billion.

"Then in the end he fell from Rp. 25 billion to Rp. 15 billion. I don't know what we talked about, we agreed to Rp. 10 billion," he said.

In the case of alleged bribery for the removal of red notice, investigators named four people as suspects. They act as recipients and givers.

Inspector General Napoleon Bonaparte and Brigadier General Prasetijo Utomo were named as suspects because they were suspected of being the recipients of bribes for the removal of red notice. Meanwhile, Tommy Sumardi and Djoko Tjandra were named as suspects on suspicion of giving bribes.

Joko Tjandra was charged with paying SGD200 thousand and USD270 thousand to Inspector General Napoleon and USD 150 thousand to Brigadier General Prasetijo.