Watchdogs fear graft inquiry may founder
Indonesian Attorney-General Hendarman Supandji's intention to reopen a corruption case against Tommy Suharto has been welcomed by the country's anti-graft organisations - but doubts remain whether he has the necessary political backing to pursue the case.
Frenky Simanjuntak, a representative of Transparency International, said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's recent cabinet reshuffle, in which Mr Hendarman was promoted, was an encouraging sign. But he noted the enduring power of Suharto and the former dictator's son.
'It would seem that the government is willing to fight corruption more vigorously. Yudhoyono has dismissed the ministers implicated in corruption scandals and promoted Supandji, who has a good track record,' he said, citing the reshuffle on May 7.
'At least at the beginning, I believe that Supandji will have some political support. But it must be seen if this will be enough. Suharto is still very powerful.'
The ministers dismissed were justice minister Hamid Awaluddin and state secretary Yusril Mahendra. Both are under investigation for allegedly authorising the use of government bank accounts to launder millions for Tommy Suharto, 44.