Presidential approval needed for probe

AMBON, Maluku: Maluku Prosecutor's Office could not proceed with their investigation into two top officials in the South West Maluku regency as they are awaiting approval from the president.

Zainal Arifin, deputy chief of Maluku Prosecutor's Office, said on Wednesday that he hoped the President would issue a permit immediately that will allow prosecutors to probe alleged embezzlement committed by the officials.

Lukas Uwuratuw, South West Maluku Deputy Regent, has already been declared a suspect for allegedly embezzling Rp 22 billion (US$2.4 million) of budgetary funds related to the purchase of a commercial ship.

Meanwhile, Regent SJ Oratmangun will be questioned as a witness in the case. -- JP