REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEMARANG - The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has attempted to conduct a study related to the activities of the social gathering termed MMM (Mavrodi Mondial Money Box) in order to avoid loss.
"We have attempted to conduct a study, but we do not have direct authority. The responsibility of OJK is only to provide people's protection," Deputy Director of Consumer Protection Tri Herdianto stated here on Wednesday.
The OJK has continued to provide protection to consumers through education, so that the people can be made aware of all activities related to financial services especially illegal investment.
"People should be able to observe the trick and the mode used. People should not be tempted as they then forget their logic," he asserted.
The OJK has conducted a study through unit officers for investment. The nine institutions involved were the police, the central bank, the Ministry of Commerce, Futures Exchange Supervisory Board (Bappebti), Attorney, and Cooperatives.
"From the study, we will see whether the MMM is one of the agencies that is a member of the task force, otherwise it will be handed over to the police," he noted.
The task force will invite MMM organizers related to the recruitment process until the disbursement of profits.
"But, MMM can only be taken to task if there are people who report to the police about being duped by the MMM. As long as there are no reports, of course, we cannot do much," he affirmed.
Earlier a co-operative economist Suroto asserted that MMM, which has cropped up in several areas, especially Indramayu, West Java, and its surrounding regions was fraud under the pretext of solidarity.
"Observing the practice of Bank MMM is clearly fraudulent based on solidarity," Suroto stated on Thursday.
According to the Chairman of Institute for Indonesian Co-operative Development Studies, MMM clearly did not have a legal standing. The MMM social gathering was an investment instrument that promised high interest or up to 30 percent per month of the funds deposited.
"People must be tempted by the reward that is up to 30 percent. However, this mode is fraudulent," he remarked.
He urged the government to immediately halt Bank MMM activities. According to Suroto, the supervisory and regulatory instruments have been sufficient.
"But, it is not imperative. It means that the government does not intend to intervene in such problems. My impression is that the government preserves that practice," he emphasized.