S. Sulawesi police form team to probe money politics

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 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."