State prosecutors in Indonesia have been questioning one of former President Suharto's closest associates, Bob Hasan, in connection with fees collected by a wood trading cartel he once headed.

A spokesman for the Attorney-General's office said the former minister for trade and industry was co-operative during the three hour meeting but the investigation would continue.

He said Mr Hasan explained that the money was used for reforestation, charity and assistance for settlers under the country's policy of transmigration.