Students demand Latief quit over misuse of funds

YOGYAKARTA (JP): After several days of lull, Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief has again become the target of harsh criticism over the alleged misuse of workers' insurance funds for the deliberation of the manpower bill.

Hundreds of Gadjah Mada University students demonstrated here yesterday, demanding that Latief resign and account for the alleged misuse.

At almost the same time, their counterparts from the University of Indonesia in Jakarta staged their own protest at the House of Representatives, demanding the return of workers' money. They also demanded that the legislators who used the money be held responsible.

The Yogyakarta students marched across campus, yelling slogans and waving placards, some of which read: "Drag corrupt minister to court" and "Revoke the problematic manpower bill."

The students in Jakarta assembled at the House's foyer before meeting with several legislators, and presenting them with a wreath with the inscription "Our Condolences."

The flowers were received by deputy chairman of the House's Commission V, Syamsuddin of the Armed Forces faction, and witnessed by legislators Imam Utomo, Farizi Sohar and Soedjalmo.

The minister was previously reported to have solicited Rp 7.1 billion from state-owned insurance company PT Jamsostek to service a team of legislators deliberating the manpower bill at expensive hotels.

The insurance company's director, Abdillah Nusi, later said the amount was only Rp 3.1 billion (US$620,000). Latief, who later claimed he was ready to be held accountable for the incident, said the amount of money used for the deliberation was Rp 2.8 million.

Last week, Latief claimed President Soeharto had ordered the use of the funds out of an understanding of the urgency of a manpower law in face of the current labor situation, especially given high unemployment.

Observers said it was acceptable that President Soeharto take over the responsibility from his aide, but investigations into the incident should continue.

So far, the Jakarta Prosecutors' Office has questioned eight people involved in the incident, but failed to keep its promise to reveal the result of the investigation in two weeks time, which was last Wednesday.

In yesterday's protest at the House, the Jakarta students urged the House to use its right to summon allegedly involved members, and demanded that the government give a transparent explanation.

The students said they have sent copies of their statement to President Soeharto, the Chief Justice, the chairman of the Finance and Development Comptroller, the General Attorney's Office, the Minister of Manpower, National Police Chief, PT Jamsostek's board of directors and the Federation of All- Indonesia Workers Union.

Upon receiving the wreath and statement, Syamsuddin said he would pass the students' aspirations on to the commission's chairman. (aan/23/amd/swe)