West Java governor summoned for corruption

JAKARTA (JP): The West Java legislature quizzed Governor R. Nuriana on Saturday over alleged corruption and collusion involving billions of rupiah during his term in office.

Provincial legislature speaker Idin Rapioedin said Nuriana was summoned to clarify cases of graft which reportedly involved him.

"At least nine cases involving Nuriana were addressed during the hearing," said the legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).

He said the cases included the development of a housing complex for the provincial councilors, the purchase of stationery for local administration offices, the establishment of foundations which carried out construction projects on provincial buildings and exchange and the sale of provincial assets to private firms.

Nuriana, a former local military commander and Golkar official, took office in 1993. Opposition party PDI Perjuangan won the most seats in the legislature following the June elections.

Idin said the province's assets were allegedly sold or exchanged to private companies at below market prices.

Nuriana denied the accusations, saying that all transactions were conducted according to the existing procedures and under proper supervision.

He said the development of the local government's facilities was approved by the Golkar dominated-legislature at the time.

Several councilors appeared unconvinced by Nuriana's responses. The hearing was adjourned until Tuesday when councilors will again question the governor. (43/jun)