Praying for Gain
Kaharudin Ongko is a perfect portrait of a tycoon in this country. He used his bank as a cash cow, owes the state trillions of rupiah, disappeared without a trace and is quietly buying back his assets at super-cheap prices. TEMPO's investigations reveal that Ongko's debts still stand at Rp8.34 trillion and that he has retaken control of PT Segitiga Atrium, which he had committed to IBRA. Reliable sources have also let on that this tycoon, despite his travel-ban status, has managed to flee.
April 15, 2003
Taipan Kaharudin Ongko and his wife suddenly fell on their knees, their eyes overflowing with tears. They sobbed and cried in hoarse voices, "Dear God, please help us, dear God!" Pastor Johan Lumoindong then knelt down, to accompany his flock in prayer. "Their situation was desperate at that time," said Priest Johan, recalling the service he led at the Red Top Hotel, Jakarta, at the end of last year.
Johan recounted that since the middle of la
...