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)