Bantul regent's involvement in mystical deal confirmed

JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday slammed a Central Java regent for allegedly promising a local soothsayer Rp 1 billion (US$420,700) if he helped him get re-elected for a second term.

Secretary-general of the ministry Suryatna Subrata said Bantul Regent Sri Roso Sudarmo had made a mistake giving the promise, but said the ministry would not punish him because the "illegal" transaction had not yet been conducted.

"It is wrong for a government official to seek the help of outsiders for his career development. It is against the civil servants' oath," Suryatna said.

"We have reprimanded him," Suryatna said.

Sri Roso who won his second term of office was recently reported to have signed a letter promising money to a local figure in exchange for his re-election.

The regent has been at the heart of a controversy over the August murder of Bernas journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, also called Udin. Some people have alleged that Udin was murdered because of his critical reporting on the regent's development policies and financial management.

Sri Roso had rejected speculations linking him to the murder. He had also said he had never promised anyone money.

After attending the opening ceremony of a Pancasila Course at the Presidential Palace, Suryatna said yesterday the ministry had instructed Inspector General Soedardjat Nataatmadja to investigate the regent's alleged malpractice.

Soedardjat was the first official to comment on the regent's alleged deal with the soothsayer. He revealed in a recent hearing with House Commission II, which deals with home affairs, that the alleged deal took place before the re-election.

Suryatna denied speculations that the regent's deal was connected with Udin's death.

Udin, known for his critical reporting, was attacked at his home on Aug. 13. He died three days later without regaining consciousness.

The police maintain the murder had nothing to do with the journalist's job. They arrested Dwi Sumaji, a driver at a local advertising firm, and accused him of killing Udin in a jealous rage.

The Indonesian Journalists Association established its own fact-finding team which found Udin was murdered because of his reporting on land disputes and the mismanagement of poverty alleviation program funds in the Bantul regency, Yogyakarta.

The National Commission on Human Rights, which also established a fact-finding team, said it doubted police had caught the real killer. (imn)