Arientha Primanita, Jakarta – Governor Fauzi Bowo is today about Rp 9 billion ($1 million) richer than when he ran for office in 2007, with a total fortune of Rp 50 billion, while his deputy reported a Rp 440 million decrease in his net worth.

"My assets did not increase nor decrease," Fauzi said at City Hall. "The value only changed because the taxable value of my properties increased."

The governor, along with other city administration officials and heads of city-owned enterprises, recently reported their wealth to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), as required by law.

Fauzi, who comes from a wealthy family but has worked in government and politics since 1979, said his net worth as of July 26 was Rp 46.9 billion worth of assets and $200,000 in cash.

In May 2007, his declared wealth stood at Rp 38.5 billion and $150,000 in cash. His assets include land and buildings, three cars, five motorcycles, precious metals and stones, antique and art collections, bank deposits and securities.

Deputy Governor Prijanto, on the other hand, said he had just Rp 4.06 billion worth of assets and $15,000 in cash. In May 2007, his declared wealth was Rp 4.5 billion, comprising land and buildings, two cars, precious stones, bank deposits and securities.

The deputy governor said his wealth decreased as a result of his giving some of his assets, including a plot of land valued at Rp 400 million, to his children.

KPK Deputy Chairman Haryono Umar said the antigraft agency appreciated the Jakarta administration's efforts to require all of its officials, including those at the urban ward level, to declare their wealth, even though the law only obliged reports from top officials down to the heads of city administration offices.

"We appreciate the city administration's move as it is part of transparency in governance," he said, adding that 30 wealth reports had been flagged for closer scrutiny, but none were yet seen as suspect.

Haryono said 98.4 percent of the administration's 857 officials had already submitted their wealth reports, however, only 53 of 154 officials from city-owned enterprises (BUMD) had done the same.

Fauzi said regulations regarding BUMD officials were different because they were not strictly civil servants. But he nevertheless warned them, even threatening dismissal, to meet the KPK's Aug. 17 deadline.

Other officials who declared their wealth included: South Jakarta Mayor Syahrul Effendiwith Rp 12.51 billion, Central Jakarta Mayor Sylviana Murni at Rp 6.74 billion, East Jakarta Mayor Murdhani at Rp 5.08 billion and North Jakarta Mayor Bambang Sugiyono with Rp 2.38 billion.

Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen. Timur Pradopo had Rp 2.1 billion, Jakarta's Prosecutor's Office head Soedibyo had Rp 813 million and Jakarta High Court chief Ansyahrul had Rp 989.76 million.

Among BUMD officials, Pasar Jaya director Djangga Lubis had Rp 11.34 billion and Jaya Ancol director Budi Karya Sumadi claimed Rp 12.72 billion.