Senior civil servant violates election law

YOGYAKARTA: Despite the order from the home minister for all civil servants to remain neutral during the elections, the regent of Sleman in Yogyakarta openly stated on Thursday his support for President Megawati Soekarnoputri in the Sept. 20 runoff.

Sleman regent Ibnu Subiyanto said he endorsed Megawati for what he called Megawati's impressive performance during her three years in office.

"I support her not because I am member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), but because she could run the government well and promote the public's interests," he was quoted by Antara news agency as saying. Megawati chairs the PDI- P.

Election Law No. 23/2003 says all government officials and members of state institutions must not act in favor or against any candidate. The violation is punishable by a term of up to six months of jail term and up to a Rp 6 million fine. -- Antara