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Indonesia: Megawati Likely to Pardon Suharto
December 28, 2001
Summary
Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri is contemplating revoking corruption charges against former president Suharto. Megawati will likely cancel the trial or pardon Suharto if he is convicted. She is willing to risk the potential political fallout for support among Suharto's still-important allies -- including the military, whose political influence continues to grow.
Indonesia's former president Suharto leaves hospital in Jakarta on December 28
after receiving treatment for pneumonia. (More)
Photo Credit: Dadang Tri -- Reuters
Analysis
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI) officials say President Megawati Sukarnoputri is thinking of exonerating former president Suharto, who is accused of embezzling $571 million in state funds, the Jakarta Post reported Dec. 24. Megawati could issue a presidential pardon if Suharto is convicted or revoke the charges entirely, warding off a trial.
Either decision would have significant political implications. Exoneration of Suharto would anger anti-corruption lawmakers and the influential student voter base, but it would gain Megawati favor with Suharto allies -- including the military and elite classes. She will likely choose the latter option, risking her standing among the masses.
Although Suharto is charged with stealing $571 million, most estimates place the family's fortune at $15 billion to $45 billion -- mostly amassed during his 32-year rule. Many speculate the funds are tied up in bank accounts and assets abroad. Anti-corruption legislators contend that the return of much of the funds would give the Indonesian economy a significant boost. Exonerating Suharto, however, would do nothing to aid the economy and could easily send a negative signal to foreign investors.
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Indonesia: Megawati Likely to Pardon Suharto . . .