House members slam Soeharto crony

House members slam Soeharto crony

JAKARTA (JP): A businessman closely linked to former president Soeharto has enjoyed diplomatic privileges for years after he was listed as an official member of staff at the Indonesian embassy in Washington, a media report disclosed yesterday.

Antara reported that the businessman, Hadiyanto, has enjoyed diplomatic immunity and facilities to import goods into Indonesia free of tax.

Senior members of the Indonesian House of Representatives urged ambassador Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti to remove the man from the diplomatic list during an official visit to the embassy on Sunday, the report said.

Zamharir, chief of the Interparliamentary Cooperation Body, told Antara in Washington that the businessman had allegedly imported luxury cars without paying taxes.

Yasril Burhanuddin, a member of House Commission III for foreign affairs, said that ambassador Dorodjatun should have the courage to erase the businessman's name from the diplomatic list.

"It would be in line with the spirit of reform," Yasril said.

He added that the ambassador had promised to discuss the matter with foreign ministry officials in Jakarta. (pan)