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.