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Setya, Fadli say party leaders OK'd Trump visit
Jakarta Globe - September 14, 2015
Setya from the Golkar Party and Fadli from the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party are facing a House Ethics Council inquiry after their presence at a press conference with the American businessman on Sept. 3 sparked a public outcry in Indonesia.
"I am a Golkar member so of course I communicated [my presence] with Ical," House speaker Setya said on Monday in reference to Golkar chairman Aburizal Bakrie. Setya said he had also sought permission from Bambang Soesatyo, the party's chairman at the House.
Meanwhile, Fadli said he had also sought similar permission from Gerindra chairman Prabowo Subianto. Prabowo "said it was OK," Fadli insisted.
Setya defended his presence at the press conference, which he insisted was not part of Trump's campaign, saying that he came in personal capacity to boost investment into the country.
The event they attended saw Trump sign a loyalty pledge to the Republican Party for his support of the eventual nominee in next year's election, which many argued should be seen as part of a political campaign, despite Setya and Fadli claiming otherwise.
Setya was leading a group of Indonesian lawmakers to New York to attend the Fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament hosted by the International Parliamentary Union, a United Nations agency.
According to Setya, on the sidelines of the conference, he was contacted by Trump's camp on Sept. 3.
Trump "called me, inviting me to visit one of [Trump's] buildings. The IPU [conference] was in recess until 3 p.m. so I made the time to visit Trump's building," he said in a statement released on Monday.
"The meeting was spontaneous, between friends. It so happened that [Trump] is a businessman who has many investment activities in Indonesia."
According to Setya, he and Fadli were unaware that Trump was scheduled to hold a press conference immediately after the meeting, which he described as "short" and "fruitful."
Trump, he said, spotted Setya and Fadli at the lobby while giving the press conference, and spontaneously invited the pair to stand by his side. At the press conference, Trump introduced Setya saying that "one of Indonesia's most powerful men" had come to show support of his campaign.
Setya said being from a nation of "Eastern values" it would be impolite to dismissed his host's claims, which is why when Trump asked him if Indonesians like him Setya responded saying "yes, highly."
Fadli echoed the sentiment, saying in the spur of the moment and out of politeness, the pair showed signs of support for Trump's bid. "When we were asked 'do Indonesians like me?' How can we say 'no'?" Fadli said.
Fadli also defended the meeting, saying they were only taking cues from President Joko Widodo. "The president has traveled everywhere convincing people to invest. How can we turn down an invitation like this?" he argued.
Fadli said the two met with Trump for 30 minutes before the press conference. According to Fadli, Trump spoke a lot about the many rules and regulations which he see as barriers to investment in Indonesia.
Setya said he understood why the meeting was considered controversial for many Indonesians. "Some members of the [Indonesian] public say it is unethical for a speaker of the House to meet a United States presidential candidate. Not to mention Donald Trump, in the eyes of some, is seen as a controversial figure," Setya said.
"I understand the public's perception, be it those who consider it unethical or those who viewed it as acceptable. Personally, I don't have the slightest interest regarding Donald Trump's intention to run for president. I only see him as a friend."
Setya and Fadli are facing a probe by the House's Ethics Council for potential violations. Setya has also drawn fire after being spotted wearing a Swiss-made Richard Mille watch, purported to be worth $140,000, at the event in New York.
MNC, a conglomerate with a diversified businesses ranging from media and property companies, to infrastructure and financial services, confirmed that chief executive Hary Tanoesoedibjo had facilitated the meeting between the legislators and Trump.
MNC has already announced plans to develop a six-star hotel in Sukabumi, West Java, in cooperation with the Trump Hotel Collection, a luxury chain owned by the American tycoon.
Shortly after the meeting, the two firms announced a second collaboration, a resort in Lido, West Java, which will include a six-star luxury resort, an 18-hole championship golf course, as well as a high-end residential estate.
Setya said he would fully cooperate with the Ethics Council inquiry. "I will accept fully of any decision by the House Ethics Council. I also call upon all House members to support the Ethics Council in performing their duties and functions," he said.
Source: http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/setya-fadli-say-party-leaders-okd-trump-visit/.
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