Sat, 25 Sep 1999

Attorney general to unveil Soeharto probe

JAKARTA (JP): Acting Attorney General Ismudjoko is expected to announce the results of his office's investigation of former president Soeharto this weekend.

Minister of Justice/State Secretary Muladi indicated on Friday that Ismudjoko would make the announcement in Semarang, Central Java.

Ismudjoko is scheduled to attend a ceremony there on either Saturday or Sunday.

"I think it will be announced by the attorney general within the next two days," Muladi said after accompanying President B.J. Habibie to a reception for outgoing members of the House of Representatives at the State Palace.

In his address to the House members, Habibie said he directed Ismudjoko to announce in the very near future the final results of the government's investigation into the alleged corruption of Soeharto.

Habibie told the House members the government's pronouncement would include any necessary legal steps to be taken against his predecessor. He hinted he would not hesitate to take tough measures if the corruption allegations against his former mentor were supported by strong evidence.

"On the allegations of KKN which have been leveled against former president Soeharto, I can say here that I have ordered the attorney general to announce very soon the results of the investigation and the legal status of the former president.

"For the sake of law and justice, whoever is guilty must be declared guilty, and whoever is innocent must be declared innocent," Habibie said.

The People's Consultative Assembly issued Decree No. XI in November which obliges the President to weed out corruption, collusion and nepotism, popularly known as KKN.

Habibie, however, who once described Soeharto as a genius professor, urged the public to uphold the ideal of presumption of innocence and to respect Soeharto's rights.

He acknowledged that people were anxious to see how the government would settle Soeharto's case and the high-profile Bank Bali scandal. However, he warned of the dangers of trial by press. (prb)