Word: taufik
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...TIME: Many members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) assert that you are its de facto chairman. Taufik: They're wrong. Who-ever thinks that does not really understand the party. After July 27, 1996, our house in (south Jakarta) became the headquarters of PDIP for two years. A lot of what the party is about was born then. Saying I'm de facto chairman is going too far. I'm a senior member...
...TIME: A lot of key positions in state banks, pension funds and securities firms are occupied by people from Palembang, your hometown. Are you creating a Palembang Mafia? Taufik: Many have had positions since the time of Gus Dur. It's just a coincidence but, yes, our sense of brotherhood is very strong. Bush is like that too with people from Texas, right? Do people call it the Texas Mafia...
...TIME: Are they using your name to get jobs or projects? Taufik: I have told all the ministries that if anyone comes to them using my name, it is not on my behalf or request...
...TIME: But lots of people must come to you for favors. Taufik: I try to avoid that. They still come but I tell them to leave. People say I defend this person or that company, but I don't get involved...
...TIME: What about big businessmen?and debtors?like Marimutu Sinivasan and Syamsul Nursalim, who has fled the country. Are they friends of yours? You know Nursalim's nephew, Jacob, well. Taufik: I don't know Marimutu, only his secretary. Jacob is an old friend of mine. I know there's a risk and that people will say things, but I don't want to go back to the Suharto era of stigmas when they say you can't hang out with this person or that person. Still, I hope (Jacob's) not playing dirty...