Sutiyoso delays announcing results of Jaya Ancol probe

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso delayed announcing on Tuesday the results of the investigation into the alleged misuse of funds from PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol.

The governor said the Officials Honor Council assigned to conduct the investigation had not completed its probe as of Tuesday.

"The council has not finished the investigation. So, please wait," Sutiyoso said.

A source at the City Inspectorate said an announcement would be made on Wednesday regarding the involvement of city employees in the scam.

The scandal centers on allegations that PT Jaya Ancol provided Rp 2.1 billion to pay for the overseas trips of 45 city officials and councillors last October. Sutiyoso, who is the president commissioner of PT Jaya Ancol, said the money was disbursed without his knowledge.

While confirming the involvement of PT Jaya Ancol director Rushadi in the scandal last Friday, Sutiyoso said he would disclose the complete results of the investigation on Monday or Tuesday.

In response to a complaint lodged by the union at PT Jaya Ancol following his statement that Rushadi was involved in the scandal, Sutiyoso said he was simply doing his job.

The workers threatened on Monday to stage a mass rally if the governor dismissed Rushadi for what they called a premature accusation, saying the investigation remained ongoing.

Also on Tuesday, the source at the City Inspectorate confirmed that only one of three senior city officials suspected of being involved in the case was implicated in the scandal.

He also said an investigation conducted by the City Inspectorate concluded that four employees at the City Council Secretariat who went on the overseas trips would be punished for receiving a double allowance.

City Development Agency chief Bambang Sungkono, City Land Agency chief Ahmaddin Ahmad and his deputy Nurfakih have been rumored to be the main suspects in the case.

The council's deputy speaker, Djafar Badjeber, again warned the administration on Tuesday not to seek a scapegoat in the case.

"Such a decision will only spark controversy. How are we going to enforce the law? We will just repeat what the old regime did," Djafar said.

He demanded on Monday a fair and honest decision in the matter. (07)