Bintaro parking fees questioned

TANGERANG (JP): Councillors in this regency suspect that parking fees collected from tenants and visitors at the three- story Bintaro Plaza worth some Rp 12 million (US$1,450) per month have gone into the pocket of a staff member at the Tangerang Parking Agency.

The alleged graft was disclosed on Saturday during a hearing between councillors of the Tangerang regency and officials from related agencies.

According to councillor Samsudin from the Star Crescent Party (PBB), a direct inspection at the shopping center revealed that the plaza, located in a strategic and crowded area, could provide at least that amount in fees per month.

"But the funds, which should have been deposited at the administration, have not been recorded since 1998, while it's clearly stated that the money has gone to the administration's budget," Samsudin told the hearing.

In response to the finding, Sudirman, head of the Tangerang regency Inspectorate, claimed that his office has begun investigating the case and had already identified the suspect.

"The suspect is not from the regency's market operator, nor from the local Land Transportation Agency," Sudirman said.

But he refused to disclose the identity of the suspect. (41)