Philanthropy Group ACT Responds to Embezzlement Allegation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President of the humanitarian organization Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT) Ibnu Khajar has responded to the in-depth report issued by Tempo Magazine regarding the organization’s series of predicaments. According to him, the article that was produced is partially true. 

“Representing the ACT, we offer our deepest apology to the general public as there may be some people who are uncomfortable regarding the current news coverage,” said Khajar at ACT’s press conference on July 4. “We must address that there are truths behind the new report, but not all of them are true.”

Tempo Magazine’s recent edition issued a headline regarding the humanitarian group touted “Act of Betrayal” which found traces of embezzlement of organization funds, steep wages, and luxurious facilities received by ACT higher-up Ahyudin, up to problems related to slashed funds and stagnant ongoing humanitarian programs. It is also reported that employees have received pay cuts due to alleged financial issues the organization is facing. 

However, Ibnu claims the highest wage paid to its leaders is not as fantastic as what Tempo Magazine had reported at around Rp250 million. 

“The highest leader does not even reach Rp100 million. So if they mentioned Rp250 million, we do not know where they got their data from,” Ibnu said. 

He explained that the average operational cost which includes the salaries of leaders from 2017 to 2021, was 13.7 percent. "We have also carried out rationalization since January 2022. God willing, our target is for operational funds sourced from donations to reach 0 percent by 2025," said LBNU.

Regarding the facilities for three luxury cars for Ahyudin, Ibnu confirmed that the organization had bought them but claims that the car has now been sold. He also stated that the car was exclusively used for company operations.

“The vehicles were not purchased for permanent use, but to conduct tasks. It will be automatically sold when the organization is in need of funds. It is not meant to live a glamorous lifestyle,” he explained. 

He also claimed that ACT's financial condition is in good condition and denied that their finances are in limbo. "Financial reports from 2005 to 2020 that have received the WTP predicate have been published on our website, as part of transparency to the public. If there is proof of fraud, would it possible for the auditor to issue a WTP?" he said.

According to a Tempo Magazine report, Ahyudin is said to have misappropriated the public funds. He is said to have bought a house and its furniture and transferred tens of billions to his family. However, Ahyudin personally denied having misappropriated his institution's funds and admitted that he was in various debts and installments, and stated that he only borrowed the money.

ACT’s humanitarian fund brouhaha is now entering a new stage as the Financial Transaction Report and Analysis Center (PPATK) suspects there is a flow of funds from the philanthropy organization wired to activities linked to acts of terrorism and embezzlement. 

"Yes, it is an indication of personal interest and is related to suspected prohibited activities," said PPATK Head Ivan Yustiavandana, Monday, July 5.

However, Aksi Cepat Tanggap strongly denies this allegation, “What funds? We never deal with terrorists,” said Ibnu.

DEWI NURITA | MAJALAH TEMPO

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