Prosecutor in Soeharto case found dead

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Umbu Lage Lozara, 58, a prosecutor known for his firm commitment to the eradication of corruption and who had a prominent role in investigating the graft charges against former president Soeharto, was found dead in a hotel room in Raha, Southeast Sulawesi on Thursday.

Police said that the most likely cause of death was a heart attack, although foul play had not yet been ruled out.

"I suspect that he died of a heart attack. He had previously had by-pass surgery," said Sulawesi Tenggara police chief Brig. Gen. Edhi Susilo, as quoted by Antara.

He added that although there had been no indication of foul play, he had instructed his officers to conduct a full investigation into the death of Umbu, who was the Assistant Attorney General at the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Prosecutor's Office.

Umbu was scheduled to give a presentation on a case in Raha, however, his colleagues became worried after he had not come out of his room by 9 a.m. After knocking on Umbu's door several times to no avail, hotel staff forcibly entered the room and discovered his dead body.

Umbu was known to be a clean prosecutor, who kept a low profile and a strong drive to tackle corruption cases throughout his career.

He was widely known for his leading role as part of the eight- member prosecution team that brought graft charges against former president Soeharto in 2000.

Umbu was part of the investigating and prosecuting team that charged Soeharto with abusing his power as chairman of seven charitable foundations that led to Rp 1.4 trillion and US$416 million in losses to the state. The case was later suspended because of Soeharto's health.

In 2001, Umbu questioned a son of former president Soeharto, Sigit Hardjojudanto, about his alleged involvement in the marking up of an oil refinery project by more than US$113 million.

He was appointed to his Southeast Sulawesi post in 2004 and recently was involved in investigating corruption charges against the provincial Legislative Body as well as improprieties involving state funds in the construction of a local ferry terminal.

The governor of Southeast Sulawesi, Ali Mazi, said that the whole province was mourning the loss of such a clean and respected prosecutor.

"We all feel a deep loss, because he was a warrior of justice, who was consistent in upholding the law," he said, as quoted by Antara.

Umbu is survived by his wife, Srihadi Indro Chrisnowati who works as a prosecutor in the Jakarta Provincial Prosecutor's Office, and his three children.