Probo defends Soeharto's integrity

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)