Graft body urged to investigate Bintan regency in bribery case

Fadli ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Batam   |  Sat, 04/12/2008 11:17 AM  |  The Archipelago

Calls are being heard for an investigation of the regent and deputy regent of Bintan, Riau Islands province, over a forest conversion case that has resulted in the arrests of the regency secretary and a lawmaker on bribery charges.

Regency secretary Azirwan and House of Representatives lawmaker Al Amin Nasution were arrested Wednesday in Jakarta on suspicion of bribery.

Authorities are now expanding the investigation to determine whether other Bintan officials and lawmakers are involved.

Observers in Riau Islands say it is unlike Azirwan acted without the knowledge of Bintan Regent Anshar Achmad and Deputy Regent Mastur Taher.

Yudi Karya, a member of the Corruption Eradication National Movement, a graft watchdog in Riau Islands, told The Jakarta Post on Friday the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) should at least talk with Anshar and Mastur about the case.

"Logically, Azirwan is unlikely to have done this out of his own personal interest. How did he get that much money? The KPK should not give the impression of hesitation just because an alliance of political parties is involved," said Yudi.

Amin Nasution is a legislator from the United Development Party (PPP), while Anshar is chairman of the Golkar Party's Riau Islands executive board.

"The KPK should question Anshar because Azirwan is his subordinate and it is unlikely he was behind the bribery. The KPK should not be afraid just because Anshar is the head of a major party," said Yudi.

Yudi accused the KPK of failing to be impartial when it came to investigating corruption involving those with political backgrounds, claiming the commission pursued cases implicating people from small parties with more vigor than those involving suspects from major parties.

"We urge the KPK to show its integrity in this case. Don't look at it from which of the political parties are involved," said Yudi.

Separately, Bintan Deputy Regent Mastur Taher said the regency administration was preparing a defense team for Azirwan.

He speculated Azirwan obtained the money allegedly used to bribe Amin from investors in the proposed central business district in Bintan Bunyu, which would include a complex of administration offices.

"The regent is difficult to reach. I am also unable to contact him," said Mastur, who is affiliated with the Justice Prosperity Party.

Mastur claimed he was not involved in strategic decisions made by the Bintan administration.

"Azirwan is the head of the forest conversion program team in Bintan, which is working to make way for the administrative center. I hope the accusations against him are untrue. It is unlikely the money for the alleged bribe came from the regency budget," he said.

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.