House: Business People Not Immune to Law

VIVAnews – The arrest of a tax officer, Tomy Hindratno, and a private businessman, James Gunardjo, as regards PT Bhakti Investama case, should be a momentum for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to emphasize absence of privilege over businesspeople on corruption cases.  

“This should be the drive for KPK, as major businesspeople that have evaded tax are not always immune to the law,” said a lawmaker of the Democratic Party, Didi Irawady, to VIVAnews, on Monday.

According to Didi, KPK must go on with the case particularly if major businessmen are found involved. However, he said, if the mastermind of the case is not brought to justice, the arrest of low-ranking tax officers would be ineffective. 

Didi said these businessmen are untouchable because they likely have lots of money or simply untouchable. “The public is disadvantaged yet again,” he said. 

PT Bhakti Investama, a company owned by Hary Tanoesoedibjo, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Experts of the National Democratic Party, denied any involvement in a bribery case by a businessman, James Gunardjo, to the former Head of Supervision and Consultation of the Tax Office in Sidoarjo, Tomy Hindratno.

PT Bhakti Investama’s legal officer, Andi Simangunsong, said the company is not subject to any tax evasion. Therefore, in relation with KPK’s search in the company’s office, he said it was not true. 

“If there is a tax issue, the Directorate General of Taxes would look into the company. It’s not KPK’s authority to deal with tax issues,” Andi told VIVAnews, on Sunday.