Councillors in bribery allegations

BOGOR: West Java Police will question 20 councillors from Bogor regency at their headquarters in Bandung on Monday following allegations of corruption related to acceptance of the 2001 accountability report of incumbent regent Agus Utara Effendi.

"Police have informed councillors about the examination process although I personally have yet to receive a summons letter," said council chairman Endang Kosasih, one of the 20 involved, on Saturday.

Some officials from Bogor regency administration -- Assets and Financial Management Agency chief Iyus Djuher, administration treasurer Nano Sutalaksana and former chairman of Council Commission A on people's welfare Aris Suwirya -- were questioned by police last month.

Aris, a councillor from the National Mandate Party (PAN), admitted during the questioning that he had received Rp 1.2 billion (US$141,176.47) from the administration in July 2002 and distributed it to fellow councillors. After being questioned he was later declared a suspect. -- JP