Ka`ban denies graft allegation over timber estate project
Former forestry minister MS Ka`ban denied environment activists` allegations that he had received gratifications over the issuance of a timber estate concession in Riau province when he was a minister
ANTARA News | February 22, 2010
"The accusation of activists from the Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) indicates their stupidity and incompetence," MS Ka`ban said here on Sunday.
He said that Walhi activists had accused him and Riau Governor Rusli Zainal of having received gratification money but they did not have any evidence.
The former minister made the remarks in response to Walhi`s activists` rally and report to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in Jakarta on Friday.
Walhi activists accused there were indications that Ka`ban and Zainal had received gratification money when the concession for a timber estate (HTI) project by PT Riau Andalan Pulp & Paper was issued.
He said that the activists had reported to the KPK without the support of evidence. Actually, what they were doing was not more than a mere expression.
This indicated that they did not understand the case, he said.
In their accusation, the former minister said, they could not differentiate what was a protected forest and a protected area.
"Walhi should be ashamed for their repeatedly reports to the legal institutions but none of the reports could be proven. Walhi still needs to learn more about forestry regulations," Ka`ban said.(*)
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