REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The founder of the Maarif Institute, Syafii Maarif, criticized political parties for ambiguity over "Mystery Funds" in the Jakarta city's draft budget.
"Very disappointing the position taken by leaders of political parties, which have become the causes of the problem," Syafii said here on Sunday.
Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaya Purnama (Ahok) has been in conflict with the city council over the alleged mystery funds (siluman) of around Rp12 trillion.
Ahok also unveiled similar funds included in the city budget in previous years and police already named a number of suspects involved in misuse of budget funds.
The governor accused members of the city council of responsible for the siluman funds in the 2015 draft budget of the city.
Meanwhile, the city council threatened to use its inquiry right that could lead to impeachment of the governor for submitting a draft budget not approved by the city council to the central governmet.
Syafii said leaders of PDIP, PKS, Gerindra, PPP, Hanura, Demokrat, Golkar and PKB were ambiguous.
"They said they are against siluman funds, but at the same time they support or not withdraw support from the inquiry motion while the idea of inquiry came after Ahok unveiled the siluman funds," Syafii said here on Sunday.
He said Ahok's determination to adopt the "e-budgeting" system for 2015 city budget has won wide public support especially from anti corruption activists.
He praised Ahok for being courageous in seeking to protect the public funds and risking making all political parties his enemies.