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)