TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has called into question a report released by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) giving the city administration’s 2014 financial report a rating of “reasonable with exceptions”. One of irregularities found in the financial report was a land purchase for Sumber Waras Hospital development in West Jakarta, which was considered as highly expensive.

Ahok clarified that the land was acquired for a low price, which is based on the sales value of tax object. However, the BPK insisted that the land should be purchased based on an appraisal system.

Ahok was disappointed since the finding was announced when he assumes the position as Jakarta Governor, while the program was initiated during former governor Fauzi “Foke” Bowo’s era in 2007-2012.

“How come the BPK gave Foke a rating of ‘reasonable without exceptions’ during the campaign, while I, who inherited the program, get ‘reasonable with exceptions’?” Ahok said at City Hall on Tuesday, July 7, 2015.

Ahok claimed that BPK’s finding would not affect his popularity among public since he was able to accelerate the capital’s development significantly. Ahok added that BPK’s report was unfair due to the lack of clear standards in implementing the budget audit process.

Earlier, BPK revealed 70 findings in its audit of Jakarta’s financial report during city council’s plenary session on Monday, July 6, 2015. The BPK found that several programs crafted by the city administration potentially incur state losses in hundreds of billions.

RAYMUNDUS RIKANG