Activists demand suspension of West Java governor

BANDUNG (JP): Activists demanded on Friday that West Java Governor R. Nuriana be suspended to facilitate the legal process of the local high court relating to alleged corruption involving Rp 209 billion (US$25.2 million) within his administration.

"I strongly suggest Nuriana temporarily step down from his position," said Teten Masduki, head of the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW).

"If Nuriana continues in his position, it will put pressure on the high court," he added.

Despite having noble principles, Teten said it would be difficult for judges not to be swayed in such a case especially when the individual involved was one of the highest serving public officials in the province.

"We have to suppose it would psychologically affect the officials performance," he told reporters.

Nevertheless, Teten remained optimistic that with strong public support the high court could adequately perform its task.

Teten then expressed his disappointment at the performance of local councillors who neglected to press the issue of corruption within the provincial administration and summon Nuriana to give his account of the matter.

Provincial council speaker Kurdi Moekri of the United Development Party (PPP) decided on Wednesday not to press forward with the findings by a Special Board that discovered seven alleged corruption cases, amounting to Rp 209 billion.

Kurdi's decision came despite protests from 25 councillors. Eventually, 14 councillors from several factions walked out on Wednesday's proceedings in protest.

"It was obvious that the chairman of the plenary session was partial in his decision and we are very disappointed as the work of the Special Board set up three months ago was not properly followed up," said Yudi Widiana Adia, a councillor from the Justice Party, who participated in the walkout.

The 14 councillors who walked out of the session argued that the governor should be summoned to explain the findings.

They argued that if the governor cannot present a proper explanation, then the council should present a recommendation for President Abdurrahman Wahid to dismiss Nuriana.

The protesting councillors also remarked that if the case is left solely in the hands of the high court, the legal proceedings would take too long and could nullify the findings by the council's special board which found strong indications of corruption.

Nuriana has refused to comment on the allegations made by the councillors.

The councillors also questioned the ability of the high court to settle the case, saying that the institution is not free of intervention from people who support Nuriana.

West Java Corruption Watch claims that it found evidence that former Siliwangi Commander Maj. Gen. Slamet Supriyadi had called Harprileny Soebiantoro, head of the local high court, implicitly intimidating the court official concerning the case. (25/lup)