Two more relatives of former President Suharto lost their high-profile jobs Friday amid calls for an investigation into the wealth of the Suharto clan.
Under pressure, Suharto's son and son-in-law stepped down from the board of one of Indonesia's largest companies, Bimantara Citra.Suharto's middle son, Bambang Trihatmodjo, resigned as chairman of the board and son-in-law Indra Rukmana stepped down as president-commissioner of the widely diversified conglomerate.
Critics say Suharto's six children amassed fortunes through corruption and nepotism under his patronage. The wealth of the family has been a major source of resentment among Indonesians, who are battling the country's worst economic crisis in three decades.
The financial problems, part of a wider crisis to hit many Asian nations, sparked a wave of riots and protests that helped force Suharto to resign May 21 and left at least 500 people dead.
Rukmana is married to Suharto's eldest daughter, Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, known as "Tutut," herself a prominent business-woman.
She was dumped as social affairs minister in Indonesia's Cabinet after her father quit.
Bimantara's share price, which has plummeted 73 percent, jumped on the battered Jakarta Stock Exchange upon news of today's resignations.
Last week another Suharto son-in-law, Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, was relieved of his command of an elite group of crack troops and reassigned to head a military college, ending speculation of a split in the army.
Prabowo had been regarded as a rival of armed forces chief Gen. Wiranto, who has played a key role in restoring order across the country following the civil unrest.
Suharto's departure has opened the door for major political changes. New President B.J. Habibie has promised to change electoral laws and reform the tightly controlled political system. He has agreed to hold new elections sometime next year.
Deputy Parliament Speaker Abdul Gafur, meanwhile, said Thursday that the military might play a reduced role in a reformed Parliament. At present, the military has a guaranteed 75 seats in the 500-member legislature.