Soeharto clan fazed by probe into fortune

JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto and his family would not object to having their personal wealth investigated as long as it was conducted by the Attorney General's Office, a relative said yesterday.

"In my opinion, as a family member, Soeharto and his children are ready to face investigation by the Attorney General's Office (in order) to reveal (the origins of) their real wealth," said Soeharto's half-brother Probosutedjo.

The successful businessman also said he had no objection to having his own fortune -- allegedly obtained with special facilities under Soeharto's regime -- by the Attorney General's Office.

The office has the authority to examine government officials' holdings, he added.

Probosutedjo was quoted by Antara as saying that the public should relay any information they had on the family's wealth to the Attorney General's Office instead of making public statements which could foment disorder.

He decried what he considered the ingratitude of the nation despite Soeharto's service.

"My impression is the nation cannot respect the service rendered by Soeharto in the past. I regret this," he said.

Probosutedjo, owner of the Mercu Buana Group, dismissed Warta Ekonomi weekly's report listing a huge web of companies that it claimed belonged to Soeharto's family.

He also disagreed with statements that Soeharto's children were consumed with greed during their father's time in power.

Asked about Soeharto's activities since his resignation last week, Probosutedjo said the 77-year-old continued to play golf and jog regularly. (rms)