Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has signed permits for the investigation of seven provincial and district leaders in various corruption cases and gambling, a spokesman said Thursday.

"The permits bring the number of state officials under investigation to 75," presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng told reporters here.

The latest president's permits were issued for the investigation of two governors, a mayor, three regents and a deputy regent, he said.

But Andi said some of the state officials were being questioned as witnesses.

According to the country's criminal code, security officers must get a presidential approval before questioning regional leaders and legislative members.

Susilo has so far issued investigation permits for seven governors, 36 regents, eight deputy regents, nine mayors, two deputy mayors and 13 legislators.

At least two governors have been convicted of graft and sentenced to jail under the government's anti-graft campaign.

Source: Xinhua