Bribery at zoo probed

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.