Soeharto's case to be reopened, says Marzuki

JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman affirmed on Wednesday that investigations into alleged corruption by former president Soeharto and the Bank Bali scandal would be priority tasks, but noted that "political dimensions" had to be taken into consideration in the cases.

Marzuki would not specify what he meant by political dimensions, but his remarks came on the heels of President Abudurrahman Wahid's statement on Wednesday morning that he personally felt that if there was evidence indicating Soeharto enriched himself and his family, then the money should be returned.

During a breakfast meeting with senior editors, the President said the money could then be used to fund efforts to help the country out of its current economic and food crisis.

"According to me, the most we can do is investigate Soeharto and then, based on the results of the investigation, decide on how much wealth he should return," Abdurrahman said.

When pressed further by journalists, Marzuki said the case could not be viewed simply from a legalistic angle.

"There are political dimensions binding the case. They cannot be avoided because it involves former president Soeharto and the repercussions of the Bank Bali case," Marzuki said after meeting with Abdurrahman at the State Guest House.

"But to reach a political conclusion and to make a political decision about the matter, there must be a legal foundation, which means that there must be a legal process which can justify a political decision.

"If Pak Harto or whomever is then given clemency or whatever you call it, then it must be first preceded by a clear definition of his legal status," Marzuki explained, adding that Abdurrahman instructed him to reopen and accelerate investigations.

Outgoing acting attorney general Ismudjoko decided to drop the investigation into Soeharto's charitable foundations saying his office could not find any evidence that Soeharto misused the charities' funds.

Soeharto's case was a blemish on former president B.J. Habibie, which, along with the Bank Bali scandal that allegedly involved his close confidantes and close relatives, were among the reasons his accountability report was rejected by the People's Consultative Assembly.

Marzuki argued that whatever the final conclusion was in the Soeharto case, the legal investigations must be allowed to thoroughly proceed first.

"The legal part must be completed first judicially, and that's what the Attorney General's Office will do. The political aspects are wholly the prerogative of the President," he added.

He further stressed that the President also recognized the need for haste in thoroughly concluding both the cases.

"It's very important for it to be resolved because the international world is waiting for a sign that we are truly upholding the law," said Marzuki, who will officially be sworn in on Friday.

Marzuki acknowledged the public was pessimistic about the capability of the Attorney General's Office due to the mentality of personnel and the complexity of problems they face.

However, he still expressed optimism for his subordinates.

"In my view, there are still many in the Attorney General's Office who still have a strong desire to resolve this case."(prb)