Not Someone Else, Luhut Should Clarify Himself About Alleged PCR Business Involvement

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan is rumored to be involved in the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) business.

Luhut is associated with a share ownership in PT Genomik Solidaritas Indonesia (GSI) which has the largest and fastest laboratory in PCR test services. Communications observer from Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga, believes that Luhut Binsar Panjaitan should clarify his own allegations of involvement in the PCR business. It is necessary to clear his name if he feels that he is not involved," said Jamiluddin, Friday, November 5. Because, continued Jamiluddin, rumors of Luhut's involvement in the PCR business had actually been heard for a long time. It's just that, he said, no one dared to reveal it through the media for fear of being criminalized. In fact, this issue can develop into a wild ball that can affect public trust in Luhut and the Jokowi government.

"Clarification should not go through Luhut's spokesman. This kind of clarification is often not trusted by the public," he said.

Through Spokesperson for Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Jodi Mahardi, Luhut claimed that he had never taken any personal advantage from the business run by PT GSI. However, this should be conveyed directly to Luhut.

"So, it is Luhut who should immediately clarify the allegations. This will be able to restore Luhut's reputation and self-image if the issues that hit him are not true," continued Jamiluddin.