MEGABUCKS

Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri's personal wealth has grown significantly during her three-year presidency, the government's corruption watchdog said Thursday.

The Corruption Eradication Commission's announcement could hurt Megawati's bid to remain in office in the Sept. 20 runoff elections, adding to perceptions that she's using her position to enrich herself.

The reported value of Megawati's holdings stood at 75 billion rupiah ($8.3 million; Euro6.9 million) - up $1.5 million (Euro1.3m) since 2000 - said Amin Sunaryadi, a member of the commission set up by Parliament earlier this year.

Megawati earns a presidential salary of about 50 million rupiah ($5,500; Euro4,580) a month. Her husband owns several petrol stations in Jakarta.

Mega made megabucks while earning $5,500 a month. How the hell could that have happened?