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Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Convicted general set to get key finance ministry post in Indonesia
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was dismissed from the military following allegations of human rights abuses. (EPA Images pic) JAKARTA : Indonesia is expected to appoint a military officer – once found guilty of kidnapping rights activists – to a top finance ministry post, two sources said, underlining the military's growing role in governing the world's third-largest democracy. The appointment, expected to be formalised by the finance minister tomorrow, is the most prominent civilian post given to a military officer since the government in March gave legal cover to such postings, which rights groups fear could take Indonesia back towards authoritarian rule. Lieutenant-general Djaka Budhi Utama, who was a member of the army's special forces in the 1990s when they were commanded by president Prabowo Subianto, is expected to head the customs and excise unit of the revenue department, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The sources asked not to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to the media on the issue. The president's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment, nor did a military spokesman. The finance ministry declined to comment. Past local media reports say that Utama and several members of the special forces' 'Rose Team' were found guilty of kidnapping and forcefully disappearing rights activists in the 1990s during the rule of Suharto, the general turned authoritarian president who was overthrown in 1998. Utama was sentenced in 1999 to one year and four months in jail after a military trial, according to local media reports, but it is unclear if he served any time in prison. He remained in the military despite the conviction. 'This is a rollback of Indonesia's democratic reform,' Amnesty International Indonesia's Usman Hamid told Reuters, also pointing out that, even under the new law, military personnel posted in several civilian positions, including under the finance ministry, had to retire first. Utama remains in active service. 'This is clear evidence of ignorance towards the victims' rights,' said Ardi Manto Adiputra from rights group Imparsial. Utama has also held posts in other ministries, but those were related to security, unlike his expected finance ministry posting. 'To lead the customs unit, it should be someone who understands the complexity of customs issues,' Jahen Rezki, an economist at University of Indonesia, said, questioning the appointment. Prabowo, who took office last October, was dismissed from the military following allegations of human rights abuses – though there were no formal charges.
CNA
22-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Convicted Indonesian military general set to get key finance ministry post
JAKARTA: Indonesia is expected to appoint a military officer – once found guilty of kidnapping rights activists – to a top finance ministry post, two sources said, underlining the military's growing role in governing the world's third largest democracy. The appointment, expected to be formalised by the finance minister on Friday (May 23), is the most prominent civilian post given to a military officer since the government in March gave legal cover to such postings, which rights groups fear could take Indonesia back towards authoritarian rule. Lieutenant General Djaka Budhi Utama, who was a member of the army's special forces in the 1990s when they were commanded by President Prabowo Subianto, is expected to head the customs and excise unit of the revenue department, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The sources asked not to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to the media on the issue. The president's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment, nor did a military spokesperson. The finance ministry declined to comment. Past local media reports say that Utama and several members of the special forces' "Rose Team" were found guilty of kidnapping and forcefully disappearing rights activists in the 1990s during the rule of Suharto, the general turned authoritarian president who was overthrown in 1998. Utama was sentenced in 1999 to one year and four months in jail after a military trial, according to local media reports, but it is unclear if he served any time in prison. He remained in the military despite the conviction. "This is a rollback of Indonesia's democratic reform," Amnesty International Indonesia's Usman Hamid told Reuters, also pointing out that, even under the new law, military personnel posted in several civilian positions, including under the finance ministry, had to retire first. Utama remains in active service. "This is clear evidence of ignorance towards the victims' rights," said Ardi Manto Adiputra from rights group Imparsial. Utama has also held posts in other ministries, but those were related to security, unlike his expected finance ministry posting. "To lead the customs unit, it should be someone who understands the complexity of customs issues," Jahen Rezki, an economist at University of Indonesia, said, questioning the appointment.
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Convicted Indonesian military general set to get key finance ministry post
JAKARTA - Indonesia is expected to appoint a military officer - once found guilty of kidnapping rights activists - to a top finance ministry post, two sources said, underlining the military's growing role in governing the world's third largest democracy. The appointment, expected to be formalised by the finance minister on Friday, is the most prominent civilian post given to a military officer since the government in March gave legal cover to such postings, which rights groups fear could take Indonesia back towards authoritarian rule. Lieutenant General Djaka Budhi Utama, who was a member of the army's special forces in the 1990s when they were commanded by President Prabowo Subianto, is expected to head the customs and excise unit of the revenue department, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The sources asked not to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to the media on the issue. The president's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment, nor did a military spokesperson. The finance ministry declined to comment. Past local media reports say that Utama and several members of the special forces' "Rose Team" were found guilty of kidnapping and forcefully disappearing rights activists in the 1990s during the rule of Suharto, the general turned authoritarian president who was overthrown in 1998. Utama was sentenced in 1999 to one year and four months in jail after a military trial, according to local media reports, but it is unclear if he served any time in prison. He remained in the military despite the conviction. "This is a rollback of Indonesia's democratic reform," Amnesty International Indonesia's Usman Hamid told Reuters, also pointing out that, even under the new law, military personnel posted in several civilian positions, including under the finance ministry, had to retire first. Utama remains in active service. "This is clear evidence of ignorance towards the victims' rights," said Ardi Manto Adiputra from rights group Imparsial. Utama has also held posts in other ministries, but those were related to security, unlike his expected finance ministry posting. "To lead the customs unit, it should be someone who understands the complexity of customs issues," Jahen Rezki, an economist at University of Indonesia, said, questioning the appointment. Prabowo, who took office last October, was dismissed from the military following allegations of human rights abuses - though there were no formal charges. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
22-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Convicted Indonesian military general set to get key finance ministry post
JAKARTA, May 22 (Reuters) - Indonesia is expected to appoint a military officer - once found guilty of kidnapping rights activists - to a top finance ministry post, two sources said, underlining the military's growing role in governing the world's third largest democracy. The appointment, expected to be formalised by the finance minister on Friday, is the most prominent civilian post given to a military officer since the government in March gave legal cover to such postings, which rights groups fear could take Indonesia back towards authoritarian rule. Lieutenant General Djaka Budhi Utama, who was a member of the army's special forces in the 1990s when they were commanded by President Prabowo Subianto, is expected to head the customs and excise unit of the revenue department, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The sources asked not to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to the media on the issue. The president's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment, nor did a military spokesperson. The finance ministry declined to comment. Past local media reports say that Utama and several members of the special forces' "Rose Team" were found guilty of kidnapping and forcefully disappearing rights activists in the 1990s during the rule of Suharto, the general turned authoritarian president who was overthrown in 1998. Utama was sentenced in 1999 to one year and four months in jail after a military trial, according to local media reports, but it is unclear if he served any time in prison. He remained in the military despite the conviction. "This is a rollback of Indonesia's democratic reform," Amnesty International Indonesia's Usman Hamid told Reuters, also pointing out that, even under the new law, military personnel posted in several civilian positions, including under the finance ministry, had to retire first. Utama remains in active service. "This is clear evidence of ignorance towards the victims' rights," said Ardi Manto Adiputra from rights group Imparsial. Utama has also held posts in other ministries, but those were related to security, unlike his expected finance ministry posting. "To lead the customs unit, it should be someone who understands the complexity of customs issues," Jahen Rezki, an economist at University of Indonesia, said, questioning the appointment. Prabowo, who took office last October, was dismissed from the military following allegations of human rights abuses - though there were no formal charges.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oneonta woman leads statewide realty association
An Oneonta real estate broker is now the president of a statewide association. Jacqlene Rose, a licensed associate real estate broker at Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties' Sidney office, was sworn in as the president of the New York State Association of Realtorsduring the NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings in Albany, according to a news release. Rose, who is a member of the Rose Team, which includes 17 agents from the Sidney and Oneonta offices, "has been a driving force in the local real estate market and beyond," the release stated. 'I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve as the president of the New York State Association of Realtors and its 61,000 members,' Rose said. 'This is a pivotal moment for real estate in our state, and I look forward to continuing the work of strengthening our industry, elevating our profession and advocating for policies that will benefit real estate professionals and consumers alike.' Rose "has been an advocate for professional growth, education and ethics in the industry for over three decades," the release stated. "Under her leadership, the Rose Team has been consistently recognized for its dedication to clients, providing top-tier services, and fostering a culture of collaboration and success." As NYSAR president, Rose "will be at the forefront of advocating for policies that promote a vibrant real estate market, while also championing the professional development of agents across New York state," according to the release. "Her vision for the association includes creating more opportunities for agents to grow and thrive, addressing emerging industry challenges and ensuring that consumers have access to knowledgeable, ethical professionals."
