JAKARTA: Indonesia’s anti-graft agency raided the headquarters of the central bank in Jakarta on Monday ( Dec 16 ) in relation to a probe into alleged mishandling of a corporate social responsibility ( CSR ) programme, the agency and the central bank said.
The business of the central bank government, Perry Warjiyo, was among those raided, two publications familiar with the matter told Reuters. Because they were never permitted to speak on the subject, they declined to be identified.
Bank Indonesia’s spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation that Warjiyo’s department was raided.
A spokeswoman for the anti-graft organization confirmed the hunt took place, but they did not provide more information.
The central banks promised to work with the anti-graft firm and respect the investigation.
Local media reported that the organization had announced in September that it was looking into CSR initiatives being conducted by economic officials in 2023, including the central bank, for possible money laundering.
In September, Warjiyo defended the leadership of its CSR resources, claiming that BI had cooperated with the investigation.
” We can make sure that CSR or BI’s social programs have strong governmental management and that their decision-making method is staged,” Warjiyo said at the time during a press conference.
BI usually pays to education, interpersonal autonomy or religious underpinnings, instead of individuals.
According to Warjiyo, the recipients are chosen after conducting a survey and may satisfy a set of conditions, adding that the board of governors determines the amount of funds.
The central bank allocated 1.6 trillion rupiah ( US$ 99.66 million ) in 2023 for social programmes and projects supporting micro-, small- and medium-enterprises, as well as price stabilisation measures, according to BI budget documents provided to parliament.
No explanations or explanations of how the cash were used.
The central bank’s policy meeting on Tuesday, the day before the attack, will begin, with its decision expected to be made on Wednesday. It is expected to keep policy rates unchanged, according to a small majority of economists  , polled , by Reuters.