Golkar saves Bantul regent

Golkar saves Bantul regent

YOGYAKARTA: A special plenary session of the Bantul council
called to decide whether to dismiss regent Sri Roso Sudarmo had
to be postponed yesterday after Golkar council members abruptly
left the room after hearing testimony from the regent.

"I still can't understand why they just upped and left. The
agreement was that a decision would be taken today," said a
fuming H. Ikhwanudin of the United Development Party.

He warned that further delay would cause more anxiety in an
already tense situation.

A similar tone was also expressed by Antonius Margoyono of the
Armed Forces faction.

"The aspirations of the people of Bantul are quite clear. They
no longer want to be under the direction of Sri Roso," he said as
quoted by Antara.

"All the factions, except for Golkar apparently, have come to
the same conclusion, which is to withdraw support for Sri Roso
and replace him immediately," Antonius remarked.

Sri Roso was summoned by the council yesterday to explain
reports that he would "contribute" Rp 1 billion to former
president Soeharto's Dharmais foundation if he could be elected
regent for another term.

He was also asked to explain his alleged involvement in the
murder of Bernas journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafrudin. The case
remains unsolved.

Fuad was known for his investigative reports uncovering
corruption in the regency.

Councillors said they would push for a decision to be reached
today.