A Series of Controversies Surrounding Djan Faridz, Already Involved in Cases Since 2000

Kapanlagi.com - The name Djan Faridz is back in the spotlight after his house in the elite area of Menteng, Central Jakarta, was raided by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on the night of Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This raid is related to allegations of his involvement in the bribery case of Harun Masiku, who is still an international fugitive.

As a politician from the United Development Party (PPP) and a member of the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres) during President Jokowi's era, Djan Faridz has long been known to the public. However, his career path has not been free from various controversies that have shaken the community.

Djan's track record involves not only the political world but also business, which often draws criticism. From the controversial renovation project of Tanah Abang market to his involvement in managing Buddha Bar, which sparked protests from the Buddhist community, he has often been the center of attention. Moreover, the dualism of leadership within the PPP further strengthens his image as a figure often caught in conflict.

Since the early 2000s, Djan Faridz has been highlighted due to corruption allegations, and his sharp criticism of former Minister of Religious Affairs Lukmah Hakim Saifuddin regarding tolerance during Ramadan has also added to his long list of controversies. Summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources on Thursday (1/23/2025), here is a series of Djan Faridz's controversies.

1. Corruption Allegations in the Early 2000s

In 2000, the name Djan Faridz emerged in a report by Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) regarding allegations of corruption in an electricity development project, although the issue did not proceed to the legal realm. However, this was just the beginning of a series of controversies that followed him.

Not long after, in 2004, he was back in the spotlight over the controversy surrounding the renovation of the Tanah Abang textile market. The decisions he made at that time faced sharp criticism for being detrimental to small traders. Nevertheless, Djan Faridz insisted that the project aimed to bring traditional markets into the modern era.

2. Buddha Bar Case and Religious Symbol Controversy

In 2009, Djan Faridz again grabbed public attention when the management of his entertainment venue, Buddha Bar, sparked a wave of protests from the Buddhist community. They felt that the venue disrespected the sacred symbols of their religion, which then led to the formation of the Anti Buddha Bar Forum (FABB).

After a series of tense negotiations, Djan Faridz eventually agreed to change the name of his entertainment venue to maintain interfaith harmony. This case became a valuable lesson about the importance of sensitivity to religious symbols in the increasingly developing entertainment business.

3. Criticism of Former Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim

As a central figure in the PPP, Djan Faridz did not hesitate to launch sharp criticisms against government policies, including the statements of former Minister of Religious Affairs, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, which emerged in 2015.

One of his sharp criticisms was directed at Lukman's views on tolerance during Ramadan, which he considered contrary to the principles of the PPP.

This criticism sparked a heated debate among the public, with some defending the Minister's opinion and others deeming the stance as an unwise move.

4. Dualism of PPP: Prolonged Leadership Conflict

Djan Faridz, who was elected as the General Chair of the United Development Party (PPP) in 2014 through the Jakarta Muktamar, found himself caught in a prolonged internal conflict, as Romahurmuziy, commonly known as Rommy, was also elected as general chair in the earlier Surabaya Muktamar.

This tension continued until 2016, when the Ministry of Law and Human Rights established the results of the Bandung Muktamar as the official one, although Djan Faridz's camp continued to fight through legal channels until they ultimately surrendered in 2018.

This dispute not only shook the internal party but also changed the position of the PPP in the national political arena, forcing Djan Faridz to resign and hand over the leadership baton to Humprey Djemat, making this conflict an important chapter in his political journey.

5. House Search by KPK: Harun Masiku Case

On January 22, 2025, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a search at Djan Faridz's residence, in an effort to uncover a bribery case involving the interim replacement (PAW) of members of the Indonesian House of Representatives for the 2019-2024 period, which also implicated the fugitive Harun Masiku.

During the operation, the KPK brought three suitcases containing crucial evidence, even though Djan Faridz has not yet been officially named a suspect. However, his name is now in the public spotlight, amidst the uncertainty of Harun Masiku's ongoing evasion.

This action by the KPK further underscores their commitment to combating corruption that has tainted the face of democracy in Indonesia, while Djan Faridz still chooses to remain silent regarding this search that raises many questions.

6. What is the connection between Djan Faridz and the Harun Masiku case?

The house search of Djan Faridz by the KPK is suspected to be related to the flow of funds in the Harun Masiku bribery case.

7. Why is Djan Faridz controversial?

Djan Faridz is known for his involvement in the internal conflict of PPP, the Buddha Bar case, and allegations of corruption in the electricity project in 2000.

8. What is the outcome of the dualism conflict in PPP?

The conflict ended with Djan Faridz's resignation as the General Chair of PPP in 2018, which concluded the dualism of leadership in the party.

(kpl/rmt)