Probo defends Soeharto's integrity

JAKARTA (JP): Soeharto's half-brother Probosutedjo deplored yesterday baseless allegations over the former president's wealth, claiming Soeharto never used his power to enrich himself or his children.

The four foundations that Soeharto established were created only to help needy people and they used legal and open ways to collect donations from the public, he said.

"The criticism is not objective. It targets only the (former leader's) family. The results of development are not enjoyed by the Cendana family only," said Probosutedjo in a media briefing held at Soeharto's residence on Jl. Cendana in Central Jakarta.

Soeharto had been scheduled to hold a media briefing to answer allegations that he had amassed his wealth illegally, but called it off at his children's request.

Probosutedjo made it clear yesterday he was not speaking on behalf of the family of the fallen leader.

"The establishment of the foundations does not harm people or the state," said Probosutedjo, as quoted by Antara.

Probosutedjo, himself a successful businessman, disclosed Soeharto's six children planned to end their business careers and also withdraw from politics.

Probosutedjo said the children conducted their businesses in accordance with the country's laws and their wealth was much smaller than that of other business tycoons.

"If compared with Eka Tjipta Widjaja (Sinar Mas Group) and Sjamsul Nursalim with his BDNI bank and Gajah Tunggal, they are nothing," Probosutedjo said.

Probosutedjo believed his nephews and nieces would not object to resigning from the People's Consultative Assembly if they were asked to leave the country's highest legislative institution.

"I think they would not mind, although I have not asked them directly," Probosutedjo hinted.

He pointed out that he would also quit the Assembly. (prb)