'Probe of regent's alleged mismanagement completed'

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. came to the defense of his official, Bantul Regent Sri Roso Sudarmo, who has been in hot water for alleged misuse of state funds.

"Investigation into the regent has been completed and there's no proof that the regent mismanaged the funds of the regency's development projects or the poverty alleviation program," Yogie said before a cabinet meeting led by President Soeharto Tuesday.

He also said the regent has been reprimanded for allegedly promising a Yogyakarta soothsayer Rp 1 billion (US$435,000), to President Soeharto's charity organization, in exchange for a second term in office.

"He's been reprimanded. We've issued a strong warning to the regent," Yogie said.

The minister underlined that an investigation conducted by Inspector General Soedardjat Nataatmadja found that although the deal was put into a written and sealed agreement, no transaction had actually taken place.

Yogie's statement lent further confusion to the case as it was Sri Roso Sudarmo himself who said Monday that he never made such a promise and that the so-called written agreement was a blackmail scheme.

He also denied any contact with the Dharmais Foundation, although he admitted to having been approached by a soothsayer who promised to help him get reelected if he contributed money to the foundation.

His denial, however, was considered by many people as coming too late. He had been in the news for the past several months for alleged involvement in the murder of Yogyakarta journalist, Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin.

The journalist was known for his critical reporting and for revealing the alleged deal. Udin, as he was called, was attacked and beaten on Aug. 13 by unidentified thugs at his house in Bantul, south of Yogyakarta. He died in hospital on Aug. 16.

Investigations into the murder have been marred by controversy, with critics claiming the authorities were running a cover up because key government officials might have been involved.

Surprisingly, police released last week Dwi Sumaji, the man they had detained for almost 60 days on suspicion of murdering the reporter.

Following the release, the public turned their attention to the question as to who had the authority to investigate Sri Roso because the man is still an active member of the Armed Forces.

Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung, however, said Monday that Sri Roso's investigation fell into the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Separately, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Hartono said Tuesday that Sri Roso should be presumed innocent until the Ministry of Home Affairs' investigation proves otherwise. (imn)