Regents to be questioned for graft

JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has approved a request from the National Police to question three regents and a deputy regent in connection with separate corruption cases, an official said.

Presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said on Tuesday the President issued his approval on Monday for the questioning of the regent of Panajam Paser Utara in East Kalimantan, the regent of West Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara, and the regent and deputy regent of Madiun in East Java.

"The approval shows the government's commitment to eradicating corruption is not limited to its first 100-day program. This is a program for five years," he said at the Presidential Office.

During his short time in office, the President has allowed the police to question 35 state officials over corruption, including four governors, 20 regents, one deputy regent and seven legislators.

The law requires the police to receive approval from the president before questioning a state official. -- JP