Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Authorities in Jakarta have uncovered a major corruption scandal involving the city’s Cultural Bureau, where hundreds of counterfeit stamps were allegedly used to misappropriate government funds.
The Jakarta High Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati Jakarta) conducted searches at several locations on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, seizing evidence including laptops, mobile devices, and over 100 counterfeit stamps believed to have been used for fraudulent financial reporting.
Bogus Stamps for Nonexistent Programs
According to Syahron Hasibuan, Head of Public Information at Kejati Jakarta, the counterfeit stamps purportedly represented cultural organizations and small businesses. They were allegedly used to fabricate reports that falsely indicated the execution of cultural programs and other activities to justify funding disbursements.
“The stamps were falsified to create the illusion that activities had been carried out, backed by fabricated accountability documents to secure budget allocations. In reality, these events never took place,” Hasibuan explained.
The fraudulent activity targeted the 2023 budget for the Jakarta Cultural Bureau, which totaled approximately IDR 150 billion (around USD 9.5 million). Investigations suggest widespread manipulation in the accountability reports for various cultural initiatives.
Raids at Multiple Locations
The investigation began in November 2024, following indications of budget irregularities. On December 17, the case was escalated to the investigation phase, prompting searches at five locations.
These included the Jakarta Cultural Bureau office, the office of GR-Pro, an event organizer based in South Jakarta, and three residential properties across Jakarta’s Kebon Jeruk, Matraman, and Duren Tiga neighborhoods.
In addition to the fake stamps, investigators seized computers, smartphones, flash drives, cash, and other vital documents. All evidence is currently undergoing forensic analysis.
Suspension of Jakarta Cultural Bureau Chief
The scandal has already led to significant fallout. Jakarta’s Acting Governor, Teguh Setyabudi, announced the suspension of Iwan Henry Wardhana, Head of the Jakarta Cultural Bureau, as of December 19, 2024.
The Jakarta administration’s Inspectorate also launched an independent investigation, uncovering discrepancies in several sampled activities. Preliminary findings indicate significant financial losses to the region, though the exact figures are still being calculated.
“The Jakarta Provincial Government is fully cooperating with the Jakarta High Prosecutor’s Office to ensure a thorough investigation,” stated Acting Cultural Bureau Chief Budi Awaluddin.
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Broader Implications
This case highlights persistent issues of corruption in public administration in Indonesia, where mismanagement and fraudulent practices often undermine public trust and development goals. The discovery of such a scheme within Jakarta’s Cultural Bureau underscores the need for stricter oversight and accountability measures for government-funded programs.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of the corruption and prosecute those involved.
(Becky)
