Govt OKs probe into councillors

Wed, 14 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB | Source: JP

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy
Surjadi Soedirdja has sent a letter of approval required by the
Jakarta Prosecutor's Office to question six city councillors in
connection with the alleged misuse of funds belonging to PT
Pembangunan Jaya Ancol (PJA).

Surjadi also pledged support for the investigation into the
scandal, which centers around the disbursement of Rp 2.1 billion
belonging to PJA without the governor's consent to finance three
overseas trips of 45 city officials and councillors last October.

"I have signed the letter of approval, and if the prosecutor's
office asks for another letter, I will be ready to meet the
request. I have no problem with that," Surjadi said on the
sidelines of a hearing with the House of Representatives
Commission II for law and home affairs here on Tuesday.

According to Law No. 4/1999, questioning of regional
councillors in connection with criminal cases requires the
approval of the minister of home affairs.

The Jakarta Prosecutor's Office has completed its preliminary
investigation into the alleged scam by questioning 18 city
officials connected with the case. The investigation results are
scheduled to be announced on Wednesday.

PJA director Rushadi said on Tuesday he was ready to undergo a
formal investigation into the case as long as the Jakarta
Prosecutor's Office could provide enough evidence.

Governor Sutiyoso has blamed Rushadi for disbursing the money
without his approval as PJA's chief commissioner.

Rushadi has refused to comment on Sutiyoso's remarks.

Separately, City Planning Agency head Ahmaddin Ahmad defended
his participation in the overseas trips, claiming to have
received the governor's approval.

"I followed the rules. So any speculation about my role in the
scandal is not true," said Ahmaddin on the sidelines of a seminar
on city planning on Tuesday.

When asked about the possibility of being named a suspect by
the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office, Ahmaddin was tightlipped.
(04/07/dja)

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