Title: Legal Representative Denounces Donation Controversy; Sides with Minister
Article:
In a surprising turn of events, the legal counsel for Agus Salim, Farhat Abbas, has labeled the handover of a Rp 1.3 billion donation to Lewotobi Laki-laki volcanic eruption victims by Pratiwi Noviyanthi and the Yayasan Rumah Peduli Kemanusiaan (RPK) as an affront to the efforts of Social Affairs Minister (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf to resolve the dispute. Farhat believes that this action demonstrates a lack of respect towards the minister’s attempts at mediation.
Farhat revealed that Minister Yusuf had put forth considerable effort to reconcile the differences between Agus Salim and Noviyanthi Pratiwi. However, this was complicated when Noviyanthi and RPK diverted the Rp 1.3 billion, intended for Agus Salim’s medical treatment, to the disaster-struck region in Nusa Tenggara Timur.
“I find it unacceptable,” Farhat stated in an interview with Intens Investigasi on their YouTube channel. “It’s clear that there’s no respect shown to Minister Yusuf’s efforts. It’s like they’re acting on their own whims. I stand with the Minister and the government on this. I can’t comprehend how this could have happened.”
Initially, the matter was purely about voluntary contributions, not formal donations, Farhat explained. He argued that unlike donations, which follow official regulations, the fundraising for Agus Salim’s treatment should be considered a voluntary contribution or alms.
Farhat also raised an intriguing issue regarding the account used to receive the funds. If the money went into a Yayasan RPK account, then transferring it to another party would be legally sound. However, if it went into Agus Salim’s personal account, it could constitute a different set of challenges.
“No one dares to use Agus’ money, not even in front of Minister Yusuf,” Farhat asserted.
Previously, Noviyanthi Pratiwi had attempted to end the controversy by transferring the funds to the disaster victims. This move, she believed, fulfilled her responsibility towards Agus Salim. She cited Agus’ lack of commitment to follow RPK’s procedures for using the donation, particularly in relation to his eye treatment at a reputable hospital.
“From the beginning, we’ve been nothing but accommodating, offering to deposit the funds into the hospital for his use,” Noviyanthi explained. “But he never showed up, and eventually, we were accused of wrongdoing.”
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