S. Sulawesi Police form team to probe bribery charge

S. Sulawesi Police form team to probe bribery charge

Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar

Two days before the Nov. 28 gubernatorial election, the South
Sulawesi Police established a team to investigate allegations of
bribery involving a gubernatorial candidate and members of the
provincial legislative council.

The establishment of the team follows a report by the
Coalition for the Supervision of Gubernatorial Succession in
South Sulawesi (KPSG) on a series of meetings between the
gubernatorial candidate, his election team and a number of
councillors in Jakarta over the last three months.

"The team was set up today and is led by the chief of the
provincial police's detective unit, Sr. Comr. Achmad Abdi,"
provincial police deputy chief Brig. Gen. Andi Hasanuddin said on
Tuesday.

Andi said that before questioning any suspects the police
would collect data and information from all concerned parties and
witnesses.

"We will summon witnesses and interrogate all suspects. We
can't say when the suspects and witnesses will be questioned
because it depends on the evidence and information the police
collect," he said.

Eddy Baramuli, chairman of the committee overseeing the
gubernatorial elections, said he had no any objections if the
police wanted to summon him about the case.

The central government has approved six candidates -- three
each for governor and deputy governor -- for the election.

The three gubernatorial candidates are Amin Syam, chairman of
the legislative council, Nurdin Halid, a member of the House of
Representatives, and Aksa Mahcmud, a businessman.

The Movement for Good Governance (MGG) called on the police to
investigate the case thoroughly to help ensure the formation of a
credible and legitimate provincial administration.

"The police must help the people fight money politics and
corruption, because politicians using money to gain power will
certainly form a corrupt government and will use 'dirty tricks'
to stay in power. Democracy cannot be upheld under such
conditions," Arqam Azikin, MGG spokesman, said here on Tuesday.

Also, approximately 100 students demonstrated in front of the
provincial legislature building to demand an investigation into
the money politics allegations.

Abdul Kholiq, who coordinated the demonstration, said the
students would work with local NGOs to help the police
investigate the matter.

"We will protest against anyone using money to win the
election," he said.

Meanwhile, Andi said the police would deploy 1,500 officers,
backed by a company of soldiers from the local military, to
provide security during the gubernatorial election.

"Security personnel will keep all supporters and demonstrators
from entering the legislative council compound in order to ensure
the election's success," he said, adding that councillors and
candidates would be assigned police officers to ensure their
personal safety during the election.

He said the police would not tolerate violent demonstrations.
"Everyone is allowed to speak their mind, but it must be in
accordance with the law."