Southeast Sulawesi still without a governor<\/p>\n
Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said on Thursday the
\ngovernment would name an acting governor for Southeast Sulawesi
\nnext week, following the conclusion of a bribery investigation
\ninto the governor-elect and vice governor-elect.<\/p>\n
There has been speculation that the government has appointed
\nincumbent governor La Ode Kaimoeddin as the caretaker,
\nspeculation fueled by Kaimeoddin himself. However, Hari denied
\nthe speculation, saying a decision had not yet been taken.<\/p>\n
\"Who says he is the caretaker? No, there has been no decision
\nabout who will be the acting governor. I still have to consult
\nwith the President because it requires a presidential decree to
\nappoint a caretaker,\" he told The Jakarta Post on the sidelines
\nof a meeting of governors from across the country.<\/p>\n
Kaimoeddin was not present at the meeting.<\/p>\n
\"Kaimoeddin can do the daily work of the acting governor
\nbecause no decree is needed to perform routine activities.
\nHowever, he does not have the full power of an acting governor,
\nincluding making strategic policies,\" Hari said.<\/p>\n
The minister said the government was investigating bribery
\nallegations surrounding the election of Ali Mazi as governor and
\nYusran Silondae as his deputy.<\/p>\n
\"The investigation is continuing while we wait for the
\npresidential decree to determine who will be the governor,\" he
\nsaid, adding that the decree could be issued next week.<\/p>\n
Hari said he issued a memo last week giving prosecutors
\napproval to investigate legislators allegedly involved in the
\nbribery.<\/p>\n
Prompted by bribery allegations, the government canceled the
\ninauguration of the elected governor and his deputy scheduled for
\nDec. 23.<\/p>\n
Two people have made official statements that they witnessed
\nAli transfer Rp 90 million (US$10,000) to Golkar Party legislator
\nLa Upe Rasyid on Oct. 27, 2002.<\/p>\n
Rasyid died in a car crash on Idul Fitri, Dec. 5.<\/p>\n
Outraged by the bribery allegations, residents and students
\nhave demanded that the election results be canceled.<\/p>\n
Some 11 students are being detained in the capital Kendari,
\nafter being arrested following a clash with police during a rally
\nagainst the elected governor and vice governor. A riot police
\nofficer was seriously injured in the melee.<\/p>",
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