TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Following reports that he was involved in the controversial acquisition of 656 Transjakarta buses, Michael Bimo Putranto decided to come into the open. The 41-year-old from Solo, Central Java, met with Jakarta Vice-Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama last week. As head of Joko Widodo's campaign team when he ran for mayor of Solo in 2005, he wanted to clarify some issues.
Some people have accused Bimo of claiming to be 'close' to Jokowi, and as such, was able to intervene in the controversial tender of public buses. After his meeting with Basuki, Bimo, who is currently the vice-chairman of the Central Java Indonesian Democratic Party for Struggle (PDI-P), visits Tempo's office to respond to questions posed by the magazine's cover story, 'Taken for a Ride' which appeared on March 16, 2014.
Is it true you were involved in the Transjakarta bus tender?
I am not acquainted with the tender winners. You can ask them also whether they know me. This is about the law, don't link it up with politics. I also have nothing to do with Jokowi. My calls are ignored and I can never get a meeting with him.
How did you become acquainted with Udar Pristono, who was then head of the Jakarta Transportation office?
I once proposed a program to liven up the Block G of Tanah Abang market, by providing taxi drivers vouchers so they could shop there, because at that time, Block G was so inactive. We held a meeting with them at the Transportation office. Some taxi company heads attended the meeting.
What was your capacity then?
Just an ordinary citizen, an Indonesian citizen. Because I feel that if this was exposed, Pak Jokowi's reputation would suffer. I am a big fan of his. (Since becoming Jakarta governor, Jokowi has in fact worked hard putting Tanah Abang in order, the Block G in particular Ed.)
Did you report to Jokowi about that meeting?
What for?
Why did the Transportation Office facilitate you in this? You seem to be quite close with the Transportation Head.
Not really. I asked for help, and I went to visit him. This is customary with officials. I didn't ask for a project, I wasn't disturbing him. It just happens that he responded positively. Sometimes, such requests are ignored.
Could it be because you are seen to be 'Jokowi's man?'
Oh, no. Pak Udar is not an easy man. No one interferes with him. Besides, I never claimed, "Hey, I'm close to Jokowi." But other people could have said that.
Do you deny you are close to Jokowi?
No. I know him, of course. But I have not been close with him since he became governor. When he was elected mayor (of Solo), I was close, but simply as a friend. Jokowi is not an easy man. Did he ever say thank you after his win? No. Never in words, neither in any other way.And I want to stress this, I'm not part of his campaign team in Jakarta. Yes, I wore the plaid shirt (Jokowi's campaign trademark - Ed.). but that was it.
So, how were you appointed as advisor of the Land Transportation Organization (Organda)?
I myself don't know. I was not informed. I was invited to Guangzhu, China. But there were no discussions. It was simply fun touring and everyone brought their wives along. There were no officials (from the Transportation Office). What was my capacity? Well, none. It was just a pleasure trip. Then during the tumultuous election of Organda executives, I was invited to the dinner with friends. Nothing was discussed.
Did you bring the tender winner to Ankai in China?
No. I've only once been to China, on that recreation trip. (*)
