Ginandjar clarifies role in recent graft allegation

JAKARTA (JP): Former coordinating minister for economy and finance Ginandjar Kartasasmita visited the Attorney General's Office on Friday to clarify recent allegations that he was involved in graft concerning several dubious government contracts.

Requesting an audience with the office three weeks ago, Ginandjar repeated his clarification that he made before House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VIII for mines and energy earlier this month to refute the rumors.

"I took the initiative to come here today to clear up the rumors, which grabbed people's attention. I want this matter to finish ... I want it to end soon.

"I was not involved," he told journalists after the six-hour- session with prosecutors from the intelligence department of the Attorney General's Office.

Ginandjar, who held several ministerial posts during the administration of former president Soeharto, has been accused by some legislators and analysts of involvement in corrupt practices in the awarding of contracts to PT Freeport Indonesia mining company and for power purchases with PT Paiton Energy.

Ginandjar served as the mines and energy minister when Freeport's contract was renewed on Dec. 30, 1991 and when Paiton's was being processed.

He is also suspected of corruption during the preparation of the contract for the giant Balongan oil refinery in West Java, owned by state oil and gas company Pertamina.

Controversy over the contracts erupted after the resignation of former president Soeharto in the middle of 1998.

Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said in a hearing with House Commission VIII earlier this month that his office had found indications of corruption involving Ginandjar in the cases.

"We will evaluate Ginandjar's clarification while we study these cases before taking further legal action," he announced on Friday at his office.

One of the prosecutors, Antasari Azhar, said that Ginandjar had also clarified rumors of his alleged role in instigating recent unrest across the country.

But Ginandjar, who is also a deputy speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly, denied Antasari's statement.

"That's funny ... why should I? I had nothing to do with the recent riots," Ginandjar said.

President Abdurrahman Wahid recently claimed that he has a list of people from the past regimes who masterminded the recent riots to put pressure on his government. (bby)