Activists demand suspension of West Java governor

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)