Jokowi's Staffer Responds to Conflict of Interest Allegation
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15 April 2020 19:45 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s special staff member, Adamas Belva Syah Devara, declared his readiness to resign from his current position if his status as founder and CEO of Ruangguru has presented a conflict of interest in the government’s decision-making process.
Ruangguru is an education technology startup that was named the government’s official partner to provide online training for the country’s pre-work cardholders.
“I am confirming this issue with the Palace and whether there is a conflict of interest happening. I was personally not involved in the selection process and I am ready to resign from my position this instance. I do not want to end up violating any rules,” said Belva beDevara in his written statement on Wednesday, April 15.
The pre-work card is a government-funded program allocated for people who are either unemployed or are searching for jobs. Out of the Rp20 trillion allocated for the program, Rp5.6 trillion is designated for Ruangguru and seven other similar apps.
This issue was first highlighted by Democrat Party politician Rachland Nashidik who criticized the selection process in appointing the apps, which was not procured. Based on this assumption, he suspects that there is a conflict of interest in the naming of Ruangguru as the government official partner.
DEWI NURITA
