Guru Besar IPB Bambang Hero Saharjo Expresses Bewilderment
Guru Besar Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) Bambang Hero Saharjo found himself in a perplexing situation as he was reported to the police for alleged false testimony regarding the calculation of state losses in a tin trade corruption case. Bambang defended his actions by stating that the calculations were done in accordance with procedures and had been accepted by the judges at the Jakarta Corruption Court.
Legal Procedures Followed and Audited By Experts
Bambang emphasized that the calculations of state losses due to environmental damage in the tin case were conducted meticulously, utilizing presentations and satellite imagery, and were validated by the judicial panel. He expressed surprise at being targeted while asserting that any inaccuracies in the financial losses would have been contested by the Attorney General’s Office from the outset. The involvement of auditors from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPKP) further ensured the accuracy and integrity of the calculations.
Unfounded Allegations and Lack of Information
Despite these safeguards, Bambang lamented being the subject of public scrutiny without receiving any direct communication from the police following the report to the Bangka Belitung Regional Police. He revealed that his first knowledge of the police report came from media coverage, highlighting a lack of transparency in the communication process. Bambang also underscored that he had promptly informed the Attorney General’s Office, the appointing authority for his expert testimony, about the situation, underscoring his commitment to integrity and transparency in legal proceedings.
Kejaksaan Agung’s Perspective
In response to the situation, the Attorney General’s Office (Kejaksaan Agung) emphasized the importance of adherence to legal principles by all parties involved. Harli Siregar, the Head of Legal Information Center at Kejaksaan Agung, stressed that in estimating state losses, experts like Bambang Hero provide insights based on their expertise, which are then meticulously reviewed and calculated by state auditors.
Ultimately, Bambang’s account sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by experts involved in legal proceedings, highlighting the need for transparent communication and adherence to legal standards to ensure justice and fairness for all parties involved.
