More legislators reveal their wealth

JAKARTA (JP): Amid the topsy-turvy of preparations for the upcoming special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), a total of 13 members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the MPR finally submitted forms on their wealth to the Civil Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN).

In the commission's latest report on Tuesday, DPR member Ahmad Sumargono from the Crescent Star party said he only has total assets worth Rp 420.7 million, while MPR member Said Aqil Siradj owns more than Rp 2.8 billion worth of assets.

Legislator Awal Kusumah from Golkar Party is the wealthiest among the 13, with total assets of Rp 2.4 billion and bank deposits worth US$43,499.

He declared that of four vehicles in his garage, two were bought recently, after he had been installed late last year.

Awal's A-class Mercedes Benz C230 produced in 1999 was bought last year and is now worth Rp 275 million, while his Grand Cherokee jeep made in 2000 was recently bought at an estimated price of Rp 325 million.

Unlike many councillors who refused to report their wealth, four councillors outside the city have filed a report with the commission. They are from East Java province, Pasuruan regency in East Java, Lampung province and Enrekang regency, South Sulawesi.

Several members of the judiciary are also on the commission's list, including Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Mangkoedilaga and Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Bachtiar Fachri Nasution.

Benjamin, who was once supported by President Abdurrahman Wahid for the position of Supreme Court chief, said he had Rp 2.089 billion worth of assets and deposits worth $55,440, while Nasution revealed his total assets at Rp 1.475 billion.

The National Police inspector-general Comr. Gen. Ahwil Lutan, who is also head of the National Body for Drug Coordination (BKNN), said he had total wealth of Rp 1.319 billion and deposits worth $29,725.

The former East Timor police chief, whose position caused him to be a suspect for human rights atrocities there, Brig. Gen. Godlief Manangkak Timbul Silaen, revealed that last year he was given a Toyota Land Cruiser jeep worth Rp 300 million.

The gift of the vehicle has meant that Silaen, now an executive of the police drug coordination body, has assets worth Rp 1.197 billion, with deposits of $10,000 and valuables worth $1,638. (bby)