Southeast Sulawesi still without a governor

Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said on Thursday the government would name an acting governor for Southeast Sulawesi next week, following the conclusion of a bribery investigation into the governor-elect and vice governor-elect.

There has been speculation that the government has appointed incumbent governor La Ode Kaimoeddin as the caretaker, speculation fueled by Kaimeoddin himself. However, Hari denied the speculation, saying a decision had not yet been taken.

"Who says he is the caretaker? No, there has been no decision about who will be the acting governor. I still have to consult with the President because it requires a presidential decree to appoint a caretaker," he told The Jakarta Post on the sidelines of a meeting of governors from across the country.

Kaimoeddin was not present at the meeting.

"Kaimoeddin can do the daily work of the acting governor because no decree is needed to perform routine activities. However, he does not have the full power of an acting governor, including making strategic policies," Hari said.

The minister said the government was investigating bribery allegations surrounding the election of Ali Mazi as governor and Yusran Silondae as his deputy.

"The investigation is continuing while we wait for the presidential decree to determine who will be the governor," he said, adding that the decree could be issued next week.

Hari said he issued a memo last week giving prosecutors approval to investigate legislators allegedly involved in the bribery.

Prompted by bribery allegations, the government canceled the inauguration of the elected governor and his deputy scheduled for Dec. 23.

Two people have made official statements that they witnessed Ali transfer Rp 90 million (US$10,000) to Golkar Party legislator La Upe Rasyid on Oct. 27, 2002.

Rasyid died in a car crash on Idul Fitri, Dec. 5.

Outraged by the bribery allegations, residents and students have demanded that the election results be canceled.

Some 11 students are being detained in the capital Kendari, after being arrested following a clash with police during a rally against the elected governor and vice governor. A riot police officer was seriously injured in the melee.