Fadhilah sworn in as regent, PKB boycotts inauguration

Ainur R.Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya

The reelected Sampang, Madura, regent Fadhilah Budiono was finally sworn-in during a heavily-guarded ceremony at the East Java Gubernatorial Grahadi Hall in Surabaya on Saturday, after a 15-month delay.

A large number of police officers were ready inside and outside the hall to anticipate possible protests by anti-Fadhilah groups. The ceremony, however, took place in a peaceful manner.

The ceremony, led by Governor Imam Utomo, was boycotted by all 22 provincial legislative members from the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction who remain opposed to Fadhilah's installation as regent.

The PKB faction claims Fadhilah is corrupt and highlight the fact that he still stands legally accused of manipulating humanitarian aid (for Madurese refugees) and keeping large amounts of the donated commodities for his own enrichment during his first tenure as Sampang regent in 1999.

Bursting into tears, Fadhilah and his deputy Said Hidayat performed their customary bow in front of the guests attending the ceremony.

"There will soon be islah (peaceful solution) with those who are still against me. It's normal in democracy," said Fadhilah.

"It is a very emotional moment for me. The induction was like an exploding ulcer. I'm ready to be tried," Fadhilah told reporters after the ceremony, referring to his ongoing corruption investigation led by the prosecutors' office.

Fadhilah, a retired Police Senior Commissioner, is accused of skimming off 800 tons of donated rice intended for Madurese displaced and living in makeshift camps due to social unrest in Kalimantan.

The East Java Provincial Prosecutors' Office will soon complete Fadhilah's dossier and the case will be tried soon.

Despite the allegation, Fadhilah and Said won 23 of 45 votes in the provincial legislature in July of 2000 for the Sampang Regent post and his deputy.

Fadhilah's victory evoked the anger of PKB legislators. The anger had turned to street protests by PKB supporters in Madura.

Fadhilah's supporters retaliated with more fierce demonstrations.

The then-Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy Surjadi Soedirdja issued a decree on Sept. 22, 2000 to install Fadhilah for a second term. However, the inauguration ceremony had yet to take place due to waves of protests.

Governor Imam Utomo said that Fadhilah's inauguration was based on the Sept. 22 Decree. "The decree is legal. The inauguration ceremony is another thing. I received instructions from (the current) Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno that Fadhilah's induction must be held before Oct. 15, 2001."

Asked about the corruption charges against Fadhilah, Imam said that things would depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings. "Whether or not Fadhilah will be suspended while the court hearing is taking place will depend on the Minister of Home Affairs. The minister will make a decision following a legal recommendation."

Fadhilah said that he was now eager to start the trial. "I have learned that a government official cannot be suspended while he or she is being tried as a defendant in a criminal case," Fadhilah said.