jpnn.com, JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has been dragged into the PCR test business polemic.
Many have been anticipating a direct clarification from Luhut regarding this.
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Recently, Luhut opened up through his Instagram account @luhut.pandjaitan, saying that he had never taken personal advantage from the business run by PT Genomik Solidaritas Indonesia (GSI) in the procurement of PCR test kits.
"As we all know, in the early days of the pandemic last year, Indonesia was still having problems providing Covid-19 tests. GSI's goal is not to seek profit for shareholders," Luhut wrote.
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According to him, the participation of Toba Bumi Energi was a form of assistance initiated by partners from the Indika Group, Adaro, Northstar, and others.
"We agreed to help provide Covid-19 test facilities with a large capacity and assistance through the company as an effort to openness that was carried out from the start," Luhut explained.
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Luhut also stated that there was no distribution of profits in the form of dividends or others to shareholders.
The benefits of GSI, according to him, are widely used to accomodate free PCR tests to the public.
"To those who can't afford it, to health workers on the front lines, including the Wisma Athlete [Emergency] Hospital," he said.
Luhut said that he always pushed for cheaper PCR tests. For example, in September 2021, he asked for a reduction in the price of antigen tests.
"Several modes of transportation previously used the PCR test as the main requirement," he said.
Luhut also said that the PCR rule was a policy taken on the basis of the risk of transmission from mobility and a decrease in the discipline of health protocols.
"To be honest I'm not used to reporting or showing any kind of donation like this," he said.
However, he said his party concluded that they must explain in detail according to the facts.
"Because there is disinformation whose effect is not only causing noise but fear for those who have a sincere intention to see this country rise from the pandemic," he said.
Luhut also hoped that the spirit of solidarity could be useful for the restoration of a united country.
"Isn't that all we have hoped for all this time?" said Luhut. (mcr10/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Akhirnya Luhut Binsar Buka Suara: Sejujurnya Saya