Prosecutors finger ex-mayor for graft

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

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ANPAa..r..
Across-terror
Councillors receive threats for vote
JP/5/terror

Councillors receive threats for vote

PEKANBARU, Riau: Several members of the Golkar faction at the
regional council of Riau say they have been intimidated to vote
for a certain gubernatorial candidate in the coming election.

"We have received threats of blackmail, as well as threats
made over phone to our residences and offices," said a member of
the council who did not wish to be identified.

He also declined to identify the gubernatorial candidate
specified in the threats.

He did admit that several Golkar councillors who supported the
candidate had tried to impose their will on other members in
order to "help" the candidate into the gubernatorial post.

"The threats have made us feel insecure, although at other
times, they (the callers) have offered us various 'gifts'," he
said.

Golkar has yet to name its candidate, which has prompted 14
regental branches to lodge a motion of no-confidence against
chairman of the provincial chapter Darwis Rida. -- Antara

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ANPAa..r..
Across-Manokwari-project
Manokwari project stands neglected
JP/5/projects

Manokwari project stands neglected

MANOKWARI, Papua: The local community has questioned the road
project in Rendani, which remains incomplete over a year after
the disbursement of funds.

The project also involves the reconstruction of Tanah Rubuh
village, a bridge project at Wirsi, and a sewage system on Jl.
Trikora Wosi.

By the end of 2002, the project tendered to CV Tomi Irja Indah
had not yet broken ground, although the Rp 313.7 million
(US$36,905) allotted to the project from the regional budget had
already been disbursed.

Project officer Albert Rombe said the project would not start,
as the regional administration had not paid the requested Rp 60
million in extra funds. -- Antara

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ANPAa..r..
Poso-tourism-low
Tourism in Poso yet to recover
JP/5/tourism

Tourism in Poso yet to recover

PALU, Southeast Sulawesi: The tourism industry in the Central
Sulawesi town of Poso is still in the dumps, although the
security condition has normalized in the last six months.

Head of Poso tourism and culture Muzakir Podungge said on
Saturday that in the first semester, only 50 people visited the
Togean islands, the major tourist destination.

During the three years of sectarian conflict between 1999 and
2002 in Poso, he said, many tourism programs were scrapped, such
as the Poso Lake Festival and Solewana Falls in Tentena. The
tourist resort near Poso Lake had even been turned into a refugee
camp during the conflict.

Other potential tourism spots in Poso include the Saloupa
Falls in North Tentena Pamona district, Bancea Orchid Park in
South Pamona and the Malotong springs in Ampana.

A cultural week will be held in 2004 to lure more visitors to
Poso, as well as to strengthen cultural exchange among ethnic
groups. -- Antara