World

Suharto Probe To Reopen

October 26, 1999 / 5:19 AM EDT / AP

Indonesia's new attorney general said Wednesday he intends to reopen a corruption investigation into former President Suharto but said the aging autocrat might eventually end up with a pardon or amnesty even if wrongdoing is uncovered.

Marzuki Darusman was named Indonesia's highest legal officer on Tuesday when President Abdurrahman Wahid announced his new Cabinet, which he touted as corruption-free.

Wednesday, Wahid said Suharto should be questioned again about his wealth and that Marzuki is entitled to pursue the case. However, the new head of state made it clear that his priority was to recover any ill-gotten gains from Suharto and use the money to help the poor.

Suharto was Indonesia's authoritarian ruler from 1966-98. Critics of his iron-fisted regime accuse him of abusing his power to enrich his family and of stashing away billions of dollars in foreign bank accounts.

Suharto, 78 and in poor health, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Earlier this month, the now-ousted government of ex-President B.J. Habibie, a Suharto protege, ended a probe into Suharto's wealth, citing lack of evidence. Habibie has denied allegations that he orchestrated a whitewash to protect his former boss and mentor.

Wahid's new government has pledged to crack down on graft. Wednesday, Marzuki told reporters he intends to launch legal proceedings to convince Indonesians Â"that justice has been done or seems to be done.Â"

He said amnesty or a pardon will eventually be an option if wrongdoing is uncovered.

Â"Prior to that, legal proceedings will have to be undertaken, and it cannot be done by the government only. It will have to be done through the courts,Â" Marzuki said.

Also Wednesday, major newspapers expressed satisfaction with the new Cabinet lineup. Analysts warned, however, that the poverty-stricken populace, impatient for immediate improvements, was unlikely to tolerate much of a honeymoon period.

Wahid, whose election by parliament last week entrenched Indonesia's transition to democracy, filled his Cabinet with political neophytes, Islamic party politicians and fewer military officials than ever before. The 35 new ministers were likely to be sworn in on Friday.