Officials named graft suspects

TANGERANG: Tangerang prosecutors have named Wildanul Firdaus, head of the regency's trade and industry agency, and former regental council member Syamsudin suspects in a Rp 3.3 billion (US$366,667) graft case.

Prosecutor Anwar Sulistiyono said on Monday that his office had obtained enough initial evidence to declare and detain the two.

"More former councillors and administration officials will be named suspects in the graft case," he said.

He said Widldanul, former head of the regency's social affairs agency, had abused his authority by distributing the Rp 3.3 billion to 11 factions in the local legislature.

The funds were earmarked in the 2004 budget for development aid for religious facilities.--JP