TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Executive Director of the Indonesian Resources Studies (IRESS), Marwan Batubara, says former governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (BTP), known as Ahok, is not the right person to eradicate mafias within Indonesia’s oil and gas industry that allegedly has a stronghold on the country’s state-owned enterprises (SOE).

“Ahok to clean up state-owned enterprises from mafias is similar to sweeping your front lawn. Use a clean sweep if you want the perfect result. If you use a dirty sweep, don’t expect the lawn to be clean,” said Marwan on Thursday who is referring to Basuki’s track record that is not entirely clean from legal issues.

Marwan continued to elaborate on a number of problems that BTP faced in the past such as the Sumber Waras Hospital case, which he said, presented evidence of the former governor’s involvement. However, the case has not continued.

“BPK’s findings were overseen. KPK (corruption eradication commission) said Ahok had no bad intentions. We urge KPK to review the case,” said Marwan on Thursday, Nov. 21.

He also mentioned the construction of the Semanggi interchange and that BTP had not adhered to existing legal procedures despite making it on schedule.

News of Ahok’s possible appointment as a leader in one of Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises suddenly emerged after he was invited by SOE Minister Erick Thohir.

CAESAR AKBAR | ANTARA