An Indonesian parliamentary committee is divided about the bailout of Century Bank in 2008. The issue looks as though it may cause a rift in the coalition government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Two of the president's closest allies, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Vice President Boediono, are under fire. Their actions have been defended by two members of the inquiry committee on the grounds that the rescue of the bank saved Indonesia from further damage by the financial crisis. However, two other committee members say that a criminal inquiry should be conducted into the course of events.

On Monday President Yudhoyono tried to take the sting out of the affair, stressing that he takes full responsibility for the bailout.