Prosecutors finger ex-mayor for graft

CIREBON, West Java: The prosecutors' office here has named former mayor Lesmana Suriaatmadja a suspect in a corruption case involving Rp 1.5 billion (US$176,470) from the 2001 regional budget.

The office has also summoned 30 members of the regional legislative council for questioning as witnesses, chief prosecutor Suraini Dahlan said.

Lesmana was declared a suspect after two months of investigation.

Suraini said on Saturday incumbent deputy mayor Agus Alwafier, who was the deputy speaker of the legislative council when the graft took place, could also come under investigation.

The case centers on the alleged misuse of the regional budget by Lesmana and 17 of his aides to enrich themselves. The officials, some of whom are still holding the same positions, are being investigated. -- JP