Rent scandal hits governor

Rent scandal hits governor

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Legislators said yesterday that
they would look into reports that the local administration is
providing Rp 10 million per month to the governor to rent his own
house.

Legislator Ardiansyah Masrie said that such an expenditure was
never mentioned in the provincial budget and thus the provincial
council intends to check into the matter with the local
administration.

"We will bring this matter forward with the administration in
the very near future to see whether it is in accordance with the
rules," he said as quoted by Antara.

The issue of the rent disbursement came about when it was
reported that the official residence of Governor HM Ardans had to
be renovated.

The governor then reportedly took up residence in a house
rented by the administration at a cost of Rp 10 million per
month.

Ardiansyah questioned the whole motive behind the rent issue
especially since the house currently being rented is owned by
Ardans himself.

He said the legislature here knew nothing about the affair and
were surprised at the "large" amount being paid, "particularly
when you consider that it is the governor's own private residence
that's being rented".

"If the administration cannot provide a suitable explanation
then they should promptly return the money," said the United
Development Party legislator.