Soeharto inquiry reopened

Soeharto inquiry reopened

JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office announced on
Monday it was reopening the investigation into alleged corruption
by former president Soeharto.

Without going into detail, Attorney General Marzuki said new
evidence had been discovered to warrant a resumption of the
investigation into the 78-year-old Soeharto.

Marzuki said evidence pointed to "a misuse of power and
authority" in issuing government regulations and presidential
decrees to amass funds for foundations linked to Soeharto, his
family and associates.

In a statement, Marzuki said his office was revoking a letter
issued by then attorney general Ismudjoko on Oct. 11 suspending
the investigation into Soeharto.

Since he stepped down from the presidency in May 1998, there
has been a public outcry for Soeharto to be tried for alleged
corruption during his 32 years in power.

However, the Attorney General's Office after months of
investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing and the
investigation was halted on Oct. 11 during the last week of B.J.
Habibie's presidency.

Since being sworn in as attorney general in October, Marzuki
has expressed his commitment to reopening the investigation.

Marzuki said on Monday a review of the previous investigation
uncovered new evidence "which directly or indirectly could harm
the state's finances or economy".

"Reports from public and related institutions and other state
bodies also point to indications of other cases of KKN
(collusion, corruption and nepotism) allegedly committed by
former president Soeharto, his family and his cronies," Marzuki
said.

The Indonesian Transparency Society has claimed that at least
79 of 528 presidential decrees issued between 1993 and 1998 were
manipulated to benefit certain parties.

Soeharto's lawyer Juan Felix Tampubolon was furious with the
attorney general, arguing that once an investigation was
officially suspended it could not be reopened.

"If there are any regulations or laws which allow law
enforcers to revoke suspensions, please show us."

Juan said his client was willing to be questioned and had
repeatedly stressed his desire to comply with the investigation.

Juan contended that Marzuki's move was politically motivated,
and had nothing to do with his desire to uphold the supremacy of
the law.

"Marzuki acts like a political warrior, not a law enforcer. As
a state official he should uphold the law not politics, so that
he can be responsible for his decision later," Juan told The
Jakarta Post. (emf)