Bantul regent denies making mystical deal

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Bantul regent Sri Roso Sudarmo, who has been at the heart of the controversy over the August murder of a journalist, denied yesterday allegations that he had promised Rp 1 billion (US$435,000) to President Soeharto's charity organization in exchange for a second term in office.

"The allegations are all blackmail, I have never had any contact with the Dharmais Foundation," he said yesterday.

He admitted to having been approached by a soothsayer who promised to help him win the election for a second consecutive term, in exchange for contributing money to the foundation.

"I did not have that kind of money," he said.

Sri Roso has been in hot water for allegedly using public money to fund the reelection transaction with the soothsayer. He is also rumored to have been behind the murder of journalist, Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, who was known for his critical reporting and for revealing the alleged deal.

One of the government's first comments on the alleged mismanagement came from Inspector General of Home Affairs Ministry Soedardjat Nataatmadja during a hearing with House Commission II, which deals with domestic political affairs, earlier this month.

Yesterday, however, Soedardjat said the alleged mismanagement was being handled by Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M.

"The minister has issued a strong warning to Sri Roso Sudarmo. He has also asked the Yogyakarta governor to punish the Bantul regent," he said.

Udin, as the murdered journalist was called, was attacked and beaten by unidentified thugs at his house in Bantul, just south of Yogyakarta, on Aug. 13. He died in hospital on Aug. 16.

Investigations into the murder have been marred by controversy, with critics claiming the authorities were running a cover up because key government officials may have been involved.

In a surprise move, police last week released Dwi Sumaji, the man they had detained for almost 60 days on suspicion of murdering the reporter.

Meanwhile, in Jakarta, Armed Forces Chief for Social and Political Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid said yesterday the military was not involved in the investigation into the alleged mismanagement by Sri Roso, who was still an active member of the military.

"The regent is the subordinate of the Minister of Home Affairs. It's the ministry's task to investigate," Syarwan said. (23/imn)