JAKARTA - Japanese media has highlighted a case of alleged corruption in social assistance for the COVID-19 pandemic involving Social Minister Juliari Batubara. It seems natural for Japan to report the news, because Sakura has donated social assistance funds to tackle the pandemic to Indonesia.
On December 6, the Corruption Eradication Commission arrested Social Minister Juliari on suspicion of bribing the distribution of social assistance for staple goods for victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese media, Asahi, said that the basic necessities provided to people in need include rice, oil and sugar. The aid was distributed from May to December.
"It is suspected that he received 10,000 rupiah (about 74 yen) as a bribe per package from several vendors. A total of 17 billion rupiah (about 125 million yen) is said to have been given to Juliari," Asahi wrote.
The media also explained the chronology of Social Minister Juliari's arrest. It was reported that the KPK searched the money transfer location in Jakarta in the early hours of the 5th morning. The anti-rasuah agency confiscated around Rp.14.5 billion in cash that was in the suitcase.
"In matters of this distribution, the social ministry has signed a contract worth 5.9 trillion rupiah (around 43.7 billion yen) and the KPK is also investigating the remaining charges," wrote Asahi.
The Japanese government has indeed lent money to Indonesia to help overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. The total aid disbursed to Indonesia was 50 billion yen, or around Rp.6.95 trillion.
The assistance was given when Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide visited Bogor Palace, Indonesia on 20 October. In addition to providing assistance in the form of cash loans, Japan also encourages cooperation with health assessment institutions in Indonesia by providing medical goods and equipment.
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