NGOs want probe on Jambi governor

JAMBI: A number of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) called on Monday for the Jambi Prosecutor's Office to seriously probe the alleged graft case involving Zulkifli Nurdin, the former governor of Jambi province during the 1999-2004 period.

The total amount of funds, Rp 120 billion (US$13.3 million), was derived from the state and provincial budgets for a number of development projects in the province.

Field coordinator of the protesting group, Kemas Firdaus, said during Zulkifli's administration, a large number of projects were being implemented, such as renovations on the governor's office and Jambi legislative building, the Tembesi-Sarolangun road restoration, land swap for building a school for the handicap, construction of Jambi mess in Jakarta and the construction of Batanghari II and Makalam bridges.

"We see this as corruption ... because every project tender is won by his cronies. We demand that the projects be audited," said Kemas.

They have forwarded their protest to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to immediately investigate the case. --JP