Government stalling on Soeharto: Experts

JAKARTA (JP): Prominent legal experts accused the government of stalling investigations into former President Soeharto because they themselves may be emotionally tied to the past regime. The investigations have now dragged on for eight months.

Speaking in a discussion on Soeharto's legal status here on Thursday were the University of Indonesia's criminologist Harkristuti Harkrisnowo and lawyers Todung Mulya Lubis and Hotma Sitoempoel.

Todung said the government lacked a "clear political commitment" in investigating the case.

He said it was unlikely that President B.J. Habibie would have the courage to bring his longtime mentor to trial.

"Their ties are too close," he said.

Habibie served as minister in Soeharto's four cabinets for almost 20 years.

Habibie is bound by the People's Consultative Assembly Decree No. XI to investigate Soeharto, his family and associates.

On Monday Attorney General Ismudjoko is scheduled to submit a final report on the investigation to Habibie.

The report may also be announced to the public the same day if so requested by the president.

However, Harkristuti contended that there should be no need for the attorney general to seek the president's permission to reveal the findings.

"I think my message for my friends at the attorney general's office is clear: Don't be sissies," Todung remarked.

"Whether or not they find any indications of corruption in their investigation, let the public know about the result -- whatever it may be," she added.

"Why should the reports go to Habibie first and be announced later after Habibie's approval?" she retorted.

Meanwhile, Hotma Sitoempoel stressed that political attempts to stall the investigation or "save" Soeharto would only backfire, and sink the case deeper into the public's contempt.

"Take decisive actions; if law enforcers find indications of legal guilt, name Soeharto as a suspect, question him and bring him to trial. Only the courtroom will pronounce him guilty or not," he said, adding that he was also skeptical of the government's ability to take stern measures against Soeharto.

Despite the seeming progress in the Soeharto investigation, many speculate the government will eventually drop the case for lack of evidence.

On Aug. 18, just days after Soeharto was rushed to hospital for intestinal bleeding, Minister of Justice/State Secretary Minister Muladi hinted that the investigation may be dropped due to a lack of evidence. (emf)