Soeharto approved Bambang's removal

Soeharto approved Bambang's removal

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has formalized the dismissal by the ruling political group, Golkar, of its legislator Bambang Warih Koesoema from the House of Representatives (DPR).

The long-expected decision was announced through the provision to the press, yesterday, of an excerpt from a presidential decree dated March 9.

In the excerpt, President Soeharto declares that he "formalizes the dismissal of Bambang Warih Koesoema as a member of the DPR/People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) representing Golongan Karya (Golkar) from East Java constituency for the 1992- 1997 term, with appreciation for his services."

"The Presidential decree is in effect as of the date of issue", according to the text, which includes a proviso that it may be revised in the future, should any mistake have occurred.

Bambang could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Golkar executive board members were, similarly, unavailable for comment.

Bambang's colleague in the DPR, Muharsono, said that the office of the outspoken legislator had been emptied of personal belongings some time ago. He said that several days ago Bambang had told his colleagues he was going to France.

A leader of Golkar within the DPR, Syamsul Muarif, said he had not known about the presidential decree but assumed that the central executive board members and the House leaders had already been informed about it.

Members of Golkar's executive board, including Agung Laksono, presented last month a letter proposing the dismissal of Bambang to House Speaker Wahono. Wahono sat on the issue for two weeks before passing it on to Soeharto "with additional notes". The content of these notes has since been the subject of speculation.

Bambang said earlier this week he would proceed with his plan to sue both the central executive board and the East Java branch leaders of Golkar, who initiated his dismissal, for tarnishing his name. (rms/swe)