PDI-P urges for WikiLeaks clarification

A legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has urged WikiLeaks to clarify data published by several Australian newspapers on Friday, citing recently leaked official US cables that say President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is guilty of corruption and abuse of power.

Eva Kusuma Sundari, a member of the House of Representatives’ legal commission, said she hoped WikiLeaks could provide a clarification about the leaked documents immediately.

“Since the US embassy cables were revealed by WikiLeaks, [we should] request clarification from WikiLeaks. [The reports] have only sparked speculation because WikiLeaks [has not] provided clarification,” Eva said Friday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

At least two Australian newspapers have recently quoted US embassy cables alleging Yudhoyono had on several occasions abused his power as President.

Among allegations are reports that Yudhoyono, according to sources in the US embassy in Indonesia, personally intervened to halt the prosecution of Taufik Kiemas, the husband of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, in an alleged graft case centering around infrastructure projects in several locations across Indonesia.

Yudhoyono, the reports say, personally instructed then attorney general Hendarman Supandji not to pursue a case against Taufik, who now chairs the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR).