Soeharto 'using wealth as shield'

Soeharto 'using wealth as shield'

NEW YORK (Reuters): Former Indonesian president Soeharto has
been maneuvering to reestablish a political power-base to shield
his family's substantial financial fortune from scrutiny by
future governments, the New York Times said yesterday.

Quoting Clinton administration officials and Western
diplomats, the Times said there is no direct evidence that the
Soeharto family has tried to bribe political or military leaders.

However, the officials told the daily that Soeharto and his
six children were offering to underwrite the political campaigns
of legislators who vow loyalty to the family, which has a fortune
in the billions of dollars.

The officials told the paper that intelligence reports
reaching the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, the State
Department and the Defense Department showed Soeharto was using
his riches and his ties to the military to help his children
retain their businesses and their top posts in the ruling
political party.

Soeharto, who resigned in May, does not appear to be seeking
reinstatement as president, the Times said.