Students demand probe of graft cases

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Dozens of students demonstrated here on Friday to demand an investigation into alleged cases of corruption worth Rp 25.6 billion (US$3.01 million) in the South Tapanuli regental administration.

They rally was staged at the North Sumatra Prosecutor's Office. Earlier on Thursday, the same students, from several universities in the province, held a similar protest at the provincial legislative council.

"We are here to open the hearts and eyes of law enforcers in South Tapanuli over the Rp 25.6 billion corruption cases," said protest leader Ganti Pulungan.

He was referring to the recent findings of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) indicating irregularities in the city budget.

Citing an example, Pulungan said that Rp 928,5 million of expenditures in the 2001 budget were not supported by valid data.

Spokesman for the North Sumatra Prosecutor's Office J. Ketaren, who received the students, said his office would follow up their demands after consulting with local chief prosecutor Sudibyo Saleh.

The protest ended peacefully amid heavy rain and tight police security. --JP