No travel ban on Soeharto

No travel ban on Soeharto

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Muladi said Saturday that
there had been no request from authorities to stop former
president Soeharto from traveling overseas.

"The immigration office only waits for requests. Up to now,
there has been no request to impose a travel ban against Mr.
Soeharto," Muladi told reporters after attending the installment
ceremony of Supreme Advisory Council members at the State Palace
on Saturday.

The Attorney General's Office, the Ministry of Finance and the
Armed Forces Headquarters all have the power to request travel
bans which are administered by the immigration office.

Soeharto and his family have been the focus of public
criticism since he stepped down from the presidency on May 21.
Many have been demanding that a thorough investigation be
conducted against him for allegedly abusing his power to advance
his family's business interests.

The Attorney General's Office recently formed a team to
investigate the wealth officials earned during Soeharto's rule.

Despite calls that the government take steps to ensure that
Soeharto and his family do not flee, Muladi said he was confident
Soeharto would stay in Indonesia.

"I am certain Soeharto will not go overseas. Just look at his
biography, which is full of his fighting spirit for the country,"
he said.

Attorney General Soedjono C. Atmonegoro said Friday that
Soeharto had hired Yohanes Yacob, a relatively unknown lawyer, as
his legal council. (byg/prb)