The wRap Indonesia: Feb. 18, 2015

JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Joko Widodo finally announces his decision on the police chief controversy, and the suspension of Kalbe permits over the alleged fatal drug mix-up lead our wrap of stories from Indonesia today. 

1. Jokowi drops controversial police chief, suspends anti-graft leaders

Finally, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Wednesday, February 18, dropped controversial police chief nominee Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan, despite the latter’s victory in court over the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) decision to name him a graft suspect. The president said he’s nominating Comr. Gen. Badrodin Haiti instead. Jokowi has been under intense public pressure to drop Budi, who was being pushed by the president’s own party, PDI-P.

The controversy has led to the filing of criminal cases against 5 KPK leaders, with chairman Abraham Samad and deputy Bambang Widjojanto already named suspects. As a result, Jokowi on Wednesday also suspended Samad and Widjojanto. Appointed as acting KPK commissioners are former KPK chair Taufiqurrahman Ruki, KPK director for corruption prevention Johan Budi, and legal expert Indriyanto Seno Adji. Read the full story in Bahasa Indonesia on Rappler.

2. Kalbe distribution permits suspended over alleged fatal drug mix-up

The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) Tuesday, February 17, said it had suspended the distribution permit of PT Kalbe Farma’s anaesthetic, Buvanest Spinal, and antihemorrhagic drug Asam Tranexamat Generik, and ordered its recall after an alleged case of mixed-up labels led to two deaths. Siloam Hospital in Tangerang, Banten Province, said two patients died on February 12, less than 24 hours after being administered the anaesthetic. Siloam’s spokesperson said they believe the drug labels were mixed up. Kalbe on February 16 announced that it had recalled an entire batch of anaesthetic Buvanest Spinal and two batches of Asam Tranexamat Generik. Read the full story in Bahasa Indonesia on Rappler.

3. After chocolate-condom controversy, Surabaya restricts sale of contraceptives

In the wake of the controversy over condoms allegedly being sold with chocolates for Valentine’s Day, Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini has issued a circular restricting the sale of contraceptives in her city. Beginning Tuesday, minimarkets and supermarkets in the capital of East Java are no longer allowed to sell contraceptives to unmarried people or those under the age of 21. The contraceptives should also be displayed only behind closed racks and given to consumers by the sales clerks after making sure they fit the criteria, according to Kompas.com.

4. Indonesia stocks at record high after Bank Indonesia rate cut 

The Indonesian key stock index rallied to a record high on Wednesday amid optimism about the
domestic economy after an unexpected rate cut by the central bank on Tuesday, Reuters reported. The Jakarta Composite Index was up about 1% at 5,393.27, after climbing to an all-time high of 5,415.38. Bank Indonesia unexpectedly cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points on Tuesday to spur growth as inflation slowed in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy. It was the first time in 3 years that the bank had moved to trim the rate, to 7.50% from 7.75%.

5. Indonesia delays executions over technical glitch, mental illness

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has decided to briefly postpone the execution of a group of 11 convicts due to a lack of infrastructure and a need to confirm reports that one death-row convict is mentally ill. Nusakambangan prison, where the executions by firing squad are to take place, said its isolation chamber could not accommodate more than 5 death-row convicts. AGO will also need more time to clarify the mental state of Brazilian Rodrigo Gularte, whom the prison management suspected of being mentally ill. Read the full story from the Jakarta Post.