Check 'Time' story, Habibie order Attorney General

Check 'Time' story, Habibie order Attorney General

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie ordered Attorney General
Andy M. Ghalib on Monday to examine the accuracy of the report by
Time magazine on the wealth allegedly amassed by former president
Soeharto and his children.

Minister of Justice Muladi said the President was determined
to complete the probe on Soeharto soon after the general election
next month.

"We have taken systematic measures, which I do not need to
reveal now, that the government is committed to completing
Soeharto's case," Muladi said after meeting with the President,
Ghalib and Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military
(TNI) chief Gen. Wiranto at Merdeka Palace.

When pressed further about what he meant regarding the
completion of Soeharto's case, Muladi only replied that he
thought extensive analysis was required before completion of the
case could be achieved.

"The President will provide accountability (on the matter) to
the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Whether it will be a
judicial or political (accountability) or a combination of the
two will be settled after the elections."

In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday,
and published on Monday, Habibie implied that Time had strong
reasons to state that Soeharto had hoarded wealth for personal
interests during his 32-year tenure.

According to Antara, Habibie quoted an Indonesian proverb as
saying: "When there is smoke there must be fire" to support his
opinion about the report.

Habibie claimed he had not read the magazine report. A Palace
official however said last week that the magazine was on the
President's desk soon after its publication.

Soeharto branded Time's report as a "cruel slander". His
lawyers have warned the magazine that Soeharto would sue the
publication if it failed to prove its report that Soeharto and
his children had amassed about US$15 billion during his rule.

Soeharto also denied that his family had transferred $9
billion from Switzerland to Austria soon after he was replaced by
Habibie in May last year.

In an interview with CNN aired on Monday, Habibie revealed
personal traits of the former leader.

"He never lies. He keeps maybe something because he is not
allowed to say. But in my experience he never lies.

If he doesn't want to tell you, he keeps quiet and smiles,"
Habibie replied when asked about the report.

According to Reuters, Habibie told the TV station he was
"surprised" by the allegations.

Muladi said on Monday Ghalib had sent letters to Time, the
embassies of Switzerland, Austria and the U.S. in Jakarta seeking
their cooperation in uncovering the wealth of the former first
family.

"It will not be easy to obtain (evidence) without the help of
the related banks, or from the respective governments of
Switzerland, Austria and the U.S.," Muladi, who is also
minister/state secretary, said.

Switzerland's Ambassador Gerard Fonjallaz told Ghalib last
September, that his government would only be able to assist the
Indonesian government if official legal charges were made against
the Soehartos.

National Mandate Party (PAN) secretary-general Faisal Basri
said in Medan, North Sumatra, that Soeharto might have put his
money under the name of other people to avoid legal
investigations.

"I believe that he does have a deposit in his own name,"
Faisal said.

Meanwhile, Time's lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis sent a letter to
Soeharto's team of lawyers, saying his client would stand by its
story.

"However, Time is taking your warning letter dated May 19,
1999, seriously and will give more thought to its effect.

"Time spent approximately four months investigating matters
relating to the wealth of Soeharto and his children," Lubis said
in a statement made available to the Post.

As an internationally reputable magazine, Time conducted
extensive research and interviews with among others, Ghalib and
lawyer O.C. Kaligis in order to develop an accurate report, he
said.

"Time also attempted to interview Soeharto and his children,
but none of them accepted the opportunity to present their views
on the subject of our May 24, 1999, article."

Lubis also insisted that his client had always guarded the
confidentiality of its sources and would continue to adhere to
that important safeguard for the free flow of ideas and
information necessary for fair and accurate press reporting.

"Time has no intention of defaming or humiliating your client,
former president Soeharto," he said. (prb/40/hhr)