Officials summoned over corruption

PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Thirty-five officials including the regent's secretary were summoned to the local prosecutor's office on Monday in relation to charges of corruption that have been laid against former Banyumas regent Brig. Gen. Djoko Sudantoko.

Sadenan, the head of the prosecutor's office, told The Jakarta Post that Djoko, who is now Central Java deputy governor for economic affairs, "would be treated fairly."

Djoko served two terms as regent over a period lasting from 1988 to 1998. The prosecutor's office has so far uncovered evidence that he embezzled Rp 5 billion during his time in office.

"We will try to act justly. Members of the public who have leveled accusations at Djoko number in the tens of thousands and come from 20 subdistricts, so this is serious," Sadenan said. "We don't care what rank Djoko is, and besides, Governor Mardiyanto has given us the green light to press ahead with our case."

Last week hundreds of students from Gen. Soedirman University in the regency capital Purwokerto staged a demonstration at Sadenan's office. They accused his office of being slow to move in relation to Djoko's case. "That is not true. We are still mapping out our steps because 35 officials are involved," Sadenan said. (45/anr)