Police to probe regent's fake diploma

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Police will look into a local non-governmental organization's (NGO) claim that Muna Regent Ridwan's high school diploma was not genuine.

"The investigation into the case is a must since the case has drawn public attention," Brig. Gen. Indarto, chief of the Provincial Police said here on Thursday.

The Regional Autonomy Study Foundation's report to police disclosed evidence that Ridwan, who won the regent election last year, used a phony high school diploma to meet preliminary requirements for his candidacy.

Separately, Ridwan denied the foundation's report and said he was ready to undergo police investigation.

"I have hired a lawyer to accompany me in facing the case. And I will sue the foundation's management if the police find the report to be untrue," he said. --Antara