Wahid's masseur 'flees with $4.2m'

The saga is embarrassing for President Wahid

Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid has ordered the arrest of his personal masseur, who is suspected of running off with $4.2m of state funds.

Mr Suwondo obtained the money after saying it was a personal request from the president who needed it for the palace.

Police have launched a nationwide search for the masseur, but it is feared he may have already fled abroad.

Mr Suwondo's request for the money was reportedly approved by the deputy of the National Logistics Agency, Mr Sapuan, after the masseur promised him promotion.

Welfare fund

Details of the bizarre case emerged on Thursday when a senior government official recounted the embarrassing affair to a parliamentary commission.

The cash was taken from the agency's welfare fund, to which all employees are forced to contribute.

The official said Mr Suwondo's request had previously been rejected by the head of the National Logistics Agency after he checked it with the president.

Police said they were focussing their search for the masseur on Asian countries. Reports said it was believed he was most likely in Thailand or Laos.

Mr Sapuan was questioned by police on Thursday.