Finance Ministry Works With KPK, PPATK in Investigating Rafael

Rafael case had an opportunity for tax officials to stop showing off extravagant lifestyles, even if their assets came from legal sources.

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has confirmed that the ministry's inspectorate is continuing to investigate Rafael Alun Trisambodo. The ministry is also ready to coordinate with and receive input from other institutions, such as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK).

It is also expected that the ministry’s employees will not spur negative public perceptions by showing off their luxury lifestyles, which will erode its credibility and trust among the public.

At the CNBC Indonesia Economy Outlook 2023 on Tuesday (28/2/2023) in Jakarta, Sri Mulyani said that the ministry was supporting every legal effort taken by the family of Cristalino David Ozora, a victim of violence allegedly committed by Mario Dandy Satrio, the son of Rafael Alun Trisambodo, an official at the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT). As a result of this abuse case, the investigation expanded to Rafael's assets.

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Sri Mulyani explained that a mechanism to rectify this issue was currently underway at the ministry’s inspectorate.

“Correction is ongoing. However, because this is a public institution, we must follow the law. We are bound by the State Civil Service [ASN] Law, for example. We are receiving input from PPATK and others. We will see whether or not the amount [of Rafael’s wealth] is the same as what has been reported," she said.

The minister also expressed regret that the case had occurred, as it had an impact on DGT employees who were honest and possessed high integrity. "Everything is already with the Inspectorate General. So if I don't comment anymore, it's not because I'm hiding it, but because the process is already under [the inspectorate’s] control," she said.

Because this is a public institution, we must follow the law.

The case had also become an opportunity for tax officials to stop showing off extravagant lifestyles, even if their assets came from legal sources. Sri Mulyani said this was necessary in relation to the ministry’s level of trust and credibility, two things that were earned through hard work.

Sri Mulyani said she had asked her subordinates to exercise decency to avoid negative perceptions in society. She would also take firm action against any employee who continued to commit fraud. “When you appear lavish, people get angry. For those who have betrayed this institution, we will remove them," she said.

KOMPAS

The Corruption Eradication Commission is coordinating with the Ministry of Finance to summon former tax official Rafael Alun Trisambodo, father of Mario Dandy Satriyo. Mario is a suspect in David's persecution.

The Finance Minister’s Special Staffer, Yustinus Prastowo, explained that Rafael Alun Trisambodo's resignation letter had been received by the DGT secretariat. The tax office was openly coordinating and consulting with the KPK with regard to the ongoing investigation.

"We are constantly consulting and coordinating with the KPK, how far they can be involved and participate in this investigation," he said.

Investigation

The police are investigating the abuse case carefully because both the victim and witness are minors. The Jakarta Metropolitan Police, which has started assisting in the investigation since Monday, has partnered with a number of institutions and agencies to ensure child protection.

Jakarta Police public relations head Sr. Comr. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said his office was collaborating with the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry as well as the South Jakarta Social Office, among other institutions.

According to him, this collaboration was important to wisely assess the situation of children involved with a legal case. The reason is that children can become involved in legal cases due to several factors, namely being pressured, being involved in power relations, and other types of societal pressure.

"With respect to children, there are children's rights that investigators must follow and it takes time. Please wait for the results," he said.

Meanwhile, the mental condition of A, the teenaged female witness, was reportedly shaken. Her lawyers were seeking protection for A (15) from the relevant institution. "A's condition, according to the results of the Apsifor [Forensic Psychology Association] examination, is not good and not normal," her lawyer, Mangatta Toding Allo, said on Tuesday.

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> Lesson Learned from Mario Dandy Case

A, the ex-girlfriend of David (17), allegedly has a close relationship with Mario (20), the first suspect named in the case. A is known to have met David and witnessed the attack on Monday (20/2) at Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta. According to the police’s investigation, A’s status is still as a witness.

In following up on the case’s lasting effect on his client, Mangatta said, his team would again visit the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI).

Mangatta previously denied that his client had told Mario that David had treated her badly. He said the information came from APA, Mario's girlfriend, who the police said was another witness in the case.

Mangatta also claimed that his client did not know that the suspect, Mario, would commit violence. He dismissed information spread on social media that his client had taken a selfie with David after he had been injured.

Getting better

The condition of Cristalino David Ozora, now in his fifth day of intensive care at Mayapada Hospital Kuningan in South Jakarta, continues to improve. A team of doctors said David had scored 9 on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), a measurement for a patient’s level of consciousness, which was an improvement from the first day of treatment, with a score of 4.

“People like us usually [score] 15 on the GCS. David's condition now is 8 to 9. This is a very significant development over four to five days of treatment," said Frans Pangalila, an internal medicine specialist and intensive care consultant at Mayapada Hospital Kuningan (MHKN).

He said David's condition continued to improve, but still remained in intensive care.

David's response to sound and movement is also better than three days ago.

Gibran Aditiara Wibawa, a neurosurgeon at MHKN, added that David's condition had passed the comatose stage. David was able to respond by opening his eyes. Equipment was no longer needed.

"David's response to sound and movement is also better than three days ago," said Gibran.

David's uncle, Rustam Hatala, emphasized that the family was currently focusing on David's recovery. (Z15/Z04)

This article was translated by Kurnia Siswo.