Govt OKs probe into councillors

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)