Hence, Iskandar backed the National Police and BNN to conduct a thorough investigation into the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center's (PPATK's) finding of the IFFs to uncover the case.
"It is important to follow up on PPATK's finding through a thorough probe to uncover the origins of the IFFs," Iskandar noted in a statement that ANTARA quoted in Jakarta on Saturday.
Iskandar contended that the total amount of the IFFs had exceeded that of the Jakarta administration's budget, so they could threaten the government if they were used for unlawful activities.
The turnover of illicit drug trades could be so large and also exceed the amount of IFFs that the PPATK reported, he noted, adding that the National Police had to track money laundering crimes related to the IFFs.
"Thus, a thorough investigation is needed to uncover those benefiting from the money laundering crimes in connection with PPATK's finding through the reversal of the burden of proof mechanism in the courtroom," he noted.
If the suspected perpetrators fail to convince, through the reversal of the burden of proof, that their assets are legal, they can then be seized as part of the state's law enforcement and drug prevention measures, he expounded.
The finding of the IFFs, resulting from drug trafficking, was earlier disclosed by PPATK Head Dian Ediana Rae as published on the PPATK's official YouTube channel on October 6, 2021.
According to Rae, the illicit financial flows, totaling Rp120 trillion, were suspected of having resulted from drug trafficking operations between 2016 and 2020.
The PPATK recorded that 1,339 individuals and corporations were involved in the illicit financial flows, according to Rae.
Indonesia remains under grave threat from drug dealers, with scores from its working-age population trapped in a vicious circle of drugs.
A report from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has revealed that some 50 drug use-related deaths occur daily in Indonesia.
However, the deaths have failed to deter other drug users owing to the fact that drug trade in the country is valued at nearly Rp66 trillion.
Related news: Police follows up on PPATK's finding of Rp120-trillion IFFs
Related news: Some 122 kg of crystal meth seized during maritime operations: BNN
Related news: Maritime Affairs Ministry, BNN collaborate to prevent drug trafficking
Translator: Laily R, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
