PPATK Blocks Papua Governor's Bank Account Over Suspiciously Large Amount of Money

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Financial Transactions Report and Analysis Center (PPATK) on Monday blocked a number of bank accounts that were allegedly linked to Papua governor Lukas Enembe. This was adhered to by several banks that obeyed the agency’s order to terminate all of the governor’s transactions since last month. 

“The bank accounts of LE and related people have been blocked since last month,” said PPATK head Ivan Yustiavandana on September 12. 

Tempo’s source stated that the blockage is related to a current investigation that is commenced by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The amount of money in the Papua governor’s bank accounts is said to reach a total of Rp61 billion.

The number is suspected to be only a small portion of Enembe’s wealth as some of them are said to have been placed abroad. The search for Lukas' funds is because the Democrat Party politician and his family do not have a business that can justify the large amounts of money in his possession.

According to a Tempo source, the money came from special autonomy funds and deposits from the regent in the area. The alleged ownership of tens of billions of dollars is said to be the starting point for the KPK to start investigating this case.

On Monday, September 12, the corruption watchdog summoned Lukas Enembe for questioning at the Papua criminal investigation unit (Brimob) headquarters, however, the governor failed to fulfill the summon due to health issues. Lukas’ lawyer Stefanus Roy Rening said his client was named a suspect in the alleged receipt of Rp 1 billion in gratuities. He denied the accusations. He said the money belonged to Luke which was used for treatment.

As cited from Antaranews, the lawyer strongly denied allegations of corruption committed by his client, “The governor does not steal money from the people,” he said.

Roy also questioned the KPK's travel ban on his client. According to him, Lukas had previously obtained permission to undergo treatment abroad. The permit was issued by the Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian.

Roy stated that Lukas plans to depart for Singapore to undergo a medical examination from today until 26 September.

Tempo has attempted to confirm the alleged possession of billions of Rupiah by Lukas Enembe to Roy. Tempo had contacted Roy by telephone. He picked up the phone but requested that the list of questions be sent via text message. Tempo has sent a text message, but Roy has not replied.

Tempo has also sought confirmation of the suspect's determination against Lukas, as well as the alleged possession of tens of billions of cash from KPK spokesman Ali Fikri. However, he also did not give a response.

LINDA TRIANITA | M ROSSENO AJI| LELEMUKU|ANTARA

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