Bribery at zoo probed

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Following calls from the city council to dismiss top officials of city-owned Ragunan Zoo for attempts to bribe city councillors with Rp 90 million (US$900) earlier this month, the Jakarta administration is now questioning the officials on their alleged involvement.

"The case is being handled by the city's inspectorate general. The officials who allegedly tried to bribe the councillors are being questioned," Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday.

Sutiyoso himself admitted that he has met with the zoo's head of general affairs, Allen Marbun, and zoo director Ismianto and asked both about the allegations.

"Both deny the rumors and even ask me why they have to do that (bribe)," Sutiyoso told reporters after attending a ceremony at the city hall to receive a cultural grant aid from the Japanese government.

Sutiyoso, however, could not provide details on the ongoing questioning saying: "I have yet to receive results of the investigation from the inspectorate general. They are now still working."

The bribery case emerged two weeks ago after members of the city council told reporters that zoo officials tried to bribe Commission B's councillors after concluding an inspection of the zoo.

The Council made the inspection to follow up reports of irregularities.

Zoo official Allen Marbun has admitted that he offered the councillors money but he reiterated that it was not a bribe. "It's a fee payment for the councillors, who were involved in the process of land acquisition at Ragunan Zoo," he said.