Jakarta probes nepotism charges

JAKARTA: The Ministry of Home Affairs is investigating allegations of nepotism and collusion in the recent election of Rully Lamadjido as mayor of Palu.

Rully, 39 years old, is the son of Central Sulawesi Governor Abdul Aziz Lamadjido. At the balloting at the Palu Legislative Council, Rully took 16 out of a possible 20 votes.

Director General for General Administration and Regional Autonomy Sumitro Maskun said in Jakarta yesterday that if collusion was indeed involved, then the ministry would consider tightening the regulations.

Sumitro ruled out annulling the election result, Antara reported. "The fact that he was the son of the governor was a coincidence," he said, adding that there are no regulations barring an offspring of a governor from running for mayoral office.

The election is still subject to approval by Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M.