Ex-mayor, 17 officials probed over graft

Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java

The state prosecutor's office in Cirebon, West Java, is investigating a former Cirebon mayor and 17 senior officials in the municipality over alleged corruption worth Rp 1.5 billion in 2001.

The former mayor, identified as LS, and 17 serving officials, have been under investigation for two months and the results, which will be announced to the public in a few days, show that there is strong prima facie evidence of their involvement in the case.

Chief of the Cirebon prosecutor's office Suraini Dahlan said here on Tuesday that the investigation into those allegedly involved was nearing completion, and all those being investigated would be declared suspects in a few days.

"The investigation results will be announced to the public shortly," she said.

In the meantime, Cirebon Mayor Subardi hailed the probe, saying the case should be investigated thoroughly.

"I will not protect any of my subordinates suspected of involvement in this case. Those found guilty will certainly be dismissed. There is no more room for corrupt officials in the municipality as we are campaigning to create clean government here," he said.

She added that the 17 officials were appointed by LS.

Subardi said he knew nothing about the case as it occurred in 2001 while he only took office in April, 2003.

"Nevertheless, the case must be investigated thoroughly and all those involved brought to justice. This is a good opportunity for us all to cleanse the municipal administration of corruption and collusion," he said.

Suraini explained that the funds were embezzled from the municipality's 2001 budget when LS was still in power and the 17 officials undergoing investigation were serving as his close aides.

"Based on the investigation, they used the embezzled funds to enrich themselves," she said, while asking newsmen not to expose the identities of those involved so as to respect the presumption of innocence.

She declined to elaborate on how the money was embezzled, but said she was considering questioning a number of members of the Cirebon legislative council because the budget was approved by the municipal legislature.

"There is a possibility that the councillors who approved the budget will be questioned if the investigation is widened to include the legislative council," she said.