Accused Of Being Involved In The PCR Business, Erick Thohir: Public Officials Are At Risk Of Being Slandered, But Is That Why We Stopped?

Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir. (Photo: Doc. Setkab)

JAKARTA - SOE Minister Erick Thohir responded to allegations that he was involved in the Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) business since the beginning of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country. He stressed that the accusation was a slander against him.

For your information, the issue regarding the PCR business is associated with a company formed by an Indonesian entrepreneur, namely PT Gemonic Solidaritas Indonesia (GSI). One of the winners of the company's shares is the Adaro Bangun Negeri Foundation. The number of shares owned is 6 percent. The foundation belongs to Erick Thohir's extended family.

According to Erick, as a public official the consequence that will be received is getting slander from certain groups. He emphasized that the slander did not stop him from working to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

"Public officials have a risk that they also have to accept slander. However, this slander must be proven, you can't make accusations without data. But that's a risk, is that why we stop?" he said on the Kick Andy Show, quoted on Monday. , November 15th.

Erick said that during the COVID-19 pandemic which caused a health crisis to occur in Indonesia, all state officials worked without thinking about benefiting themselves.

Furthermore, Erick explained that the implementation of the handling of the pandemic so far only aims to make the health sector, economy and other sectors recover to their pre-pandemic position.

"But I emphasize, earlier in the context of COVID-19, there are many risks that must be taken by public officials, without the slightest intention of enriching themselves, lillahi ta'ala," he said.

Erick said that the spread of COVID-19 cases, which had been handled well in the country, was also due to President Joko Widodo's success in leading his ministers. In fact, many ministers are working 24 hours to fight COVID-19.

"And I think the President is leading well, there are also many ministers who work 24 hours. And it's clear that we provide health services to the community at that time and today must continue. Because the war against COVID-19 is not over yet," he said.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Minister of SOEs Erick Thohir were suspected of being involved in the PCR business in Indonesia.

The mention of Luhut's name in the PCR business originated from Agustinus' statement that a number of ministers were related to the PCR test business. Agustinus revealed this through his Facebook account.

Initially, Agustinus quoted mass media reports about the PCR laboratory owned by politicians and conglomerates. In his upload, he said the composition of shareholders of PT Genomik Solidaritas Indonesia (GSI) had an affiliation with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

The companies are PT Toba Bumi Energi and PT Toba Sejahtera. Agustinus explained that Luhut has a small stake in the two companies, of which Luhut is also known as the founder. He linked Erick to the Adaro Bangun Negeri Foundation, which is linked to PT Adaro Energy Tbk (ADRO). The company is headed by Erick's brother, Boy Thohir.

"The minister turned out to be affiliated with PT Genomics Solidaritas Indonesia. The PT business unit is GSI Lab which sells all kinds of COVID-19 tests: Sameday PCR Swab (275 thousand), Antigen Swab (95,000), PCR Mouth (495 thousand) thousand), S-RBD Quantitative Antibody (249 thousand)," wrote Agustinus.

Agustinus admitted that he had no problem with people doing business. But he highlighted, who is behind the business.

"I don't care about Indonesia being the leader of the G-20 or any achievements. This PCR test business is a scandal that is like dirt thrown in the face of the Jokowi government. It smells and is embarrassing!," he said.