Sutiyoso denies maneuvering

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso denied on Friday allegations he had launched a "political movement" to secure his position prior to the General Assembly of the City Council in June.

Rumors were rife that the governor sent his staff to approach and offer money to councillors. The move reportedly was aimed at ensuring councillors to remain cooperative when Sutiyoso gave his accountability speech before the legislative body on June 3.

"Why would I do such a thing? It would only show that I lack confidence. I don't think it's necessary," he told journalists at City Hall.

"The accountability speech is an event where city councillors will evaluate my performance. They can also offer corrections or suggestions for my programs," he added.

Sutiyoso said the General Assembly was just like a student evaluation. "If it turns out that I receive a bad grade in math, for example, councillors will tell me to study more in math. Just like that," he said.

"I've also asked all heads of city agencies to provide accurate information for my accountability speech, so I can deliver a true account of my performance to the councillors," he said, adding that he was ultimately responsible for the performance of the agencies.

He also asked councillors to evaluate his performance fairly without being swayed by vested interests. "Let's get it plain and simple. Tell me what I am poor at and how to improve it. Please be objective in evaluating my performance."

"Councillors' negative attitude that I have failed in all of my duties are not useful in developing our city," he added.

The governor, whose term runs until 2002, said the accountability speech should not be considered a forum to topple him from office.

He, however, is facing a number of challenges which could cause him difficulties. He is under pressure over his alleged involvement in the July 27, 1996, takeover of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters on Jl. Diponegoro in Central Jakarta from loyalists of PDI chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri. Megawati is currently the Vice President.

Other problems include a number of corruption cases allegedly involving his officials, and the troubled water management agreement between city-owned tap water company PAM Jaya and its two foreign partners. (nvn)