Nominee withdraws from BPK shortlist

JAKARTA (JP): The saga of rivalries and discontent in the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) continued yesterday as Rivai Siata withdrew his name for consideration for the agency's deputy chairman.

"I thank the House members from all four factions for giving me their trust and honor, but I apologize for this (my withdrawal)," Rivai told journalists here yesterday after informing the House of Representatives of his decision.

The withdrawal comes just days after agency chairman nominee Gen. (ret.) Kunarto withdrew his name in protest of Rivai's planned appointment as the agency's deputy.

The former national police chief told The Jakarta Post on Monday that he believed he could not work with Rivai based on past experiences.

"I've told (Minister/State Secretary) Akbar Tandjung, that I don't want Rivai to be the deputy chairman... but it seems that (my wish) was ignored," said Kunarto.

Although Habibie has yet to issue any presidential decree on his appointment, Kunarto said he had heard that support for him to chair the agency had grown and "crystallized".

Executive members of the agency have run it collectively since former chairman J.B. Sumarlin stepped down after reaching his retirement age of 65 last December.

When asked about Kunarto's claim that he could not work with him, Rivai said that there was no requirement for them to do so.

"If that happens, it would open avenues for collusion," he remarked.

Kunarto's withdrawal leaves the candidacy for the agency's chair to the two remaining nominees -- former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad and economist Zaki Baridwan.

The remaining deputy chairman candidates are Bambang Wahyudi, an economics lecturer at the Bandung-based Padjadjaran University, and Bambang Triadji.

Mar'ie refused to comment yesterday on speculation that he was now the leading candidate for the agency.

"I can't comment. Let's just wait for developments," Mar'ie was quoted by Antara as saying. (aan)