KPKPN to summon Megawati, Taufik in wealth audit

JAKARTA (JP): The Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) is expected to summon dozens of officials and legislators, including President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her husband Taufik Kiemas, to clarify hibah (gifts) received from third parties listed on their individual wealth declarations.

"Megawati is among 13 officials in the executive body to be summoned, while Taufik will be questioned in his capacity as a legislator of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan)," KPKPN deputy chairman Muchayat told The Jakarta Post here on Friday.

Asked about cancellation of the agency's plan to summon state officials on Friday, Muchayat said it was because of a lack of coordination on the agency's part.

KPKPN head Yusuf Syakir had told the Post on Thursday that the agency was prepared to summon officials on Friday.

Eleven legislators will also be summoned in the near future but it is not sure whether the group will include wealthy prominent figures.

Abdullah Hehamahua, deputy chairman of KPKPN in charge of legislators' wealth said, "I cannot identify them because of the presumption of innocence principle."

Abdullah was silent when asked whether the list would include People's Consultative Assembly deputy chairman Ginandjar Kartasasmita and National Mandate Party legislator Fuad Bawazir.

Bawazir's wealth was valued at Rp 45 billion in his report, which included Rp 30 billion in gifts from third parties. Ginandjar reported assets valued at Rp 25.6 billion plus US$340,000. He also admitted that he received gifts from third parties worth Rp 500 million between 1993 and 2000.

Controversy regarding gifts declared by officials' has swelled following reports that many officials received a huge number of gifts without a clear explanation as to who gave them.

Chaerul Imam, KPKPN deputy chairman in charge of legal authorities' assets, said that there were only five judges and prosecutors whose declarations were suspicious.

Chaerul, however, declined to identify the parties concerned.

It is widely believed by the public that corruption is rampant within the judicial arm of the government.

Taufik Kiemas, declaring assets to the value of Rp 59 billion, claimed to have accumulated wealth through his family's businesses, including a number of gas stations in the city.

Muchayat, whose personal wealth ran to Rp 14.7 billion, said the agency would also audit former president Abdurrahman Wahid and a number of former cabinet members, including former attorney general Marsillam Simanjuntak and former minister of infrastructure and regional resettlement Erna Witoelar.

Abdurrahman's assets were reported to be worth Rp 3.5 billion.

Muchayat said that a date would be announced on Monday or Tuesday regarding when the officials wealth would be examined. (rms)