Bram may face jail over Aceh graft

Bram may face jail over Aceh graft

JAKARTA: Prosecutors with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) demanded on Tuesday that a businessman be jailed for seven years for his role in the purchase of a Russian-made chopper for Aceh province.

"Bram HD Manoppo...has been proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt of committing a crime to enrich himself," prosecutor Khaidir Ramli told the Anticorruption Court in Jakarta.

He said the defendant was found to have caused state losses of Rp 10.1 billion (US$1.1 million) as the Mi-2 helicopter he provided to the Aceh administration was not in accordance with the contract: Its engine was not new.

Apart from seeking seven years' imprisonment, the prosecutors also requested the judges to order Bram to share with suspended Aceh governor Abdullah Puteh the payment of Rp 10.1 billion as compensation to the state in addition to a Rp 200 million fine.

Puteh was convicted in the same case and is now serving a 10- year prison term at Salemba Penitentiary in Central Jakarta.

The judges adjourned the trial until Aug. 23 to hear defense pleas from Bram and his lawyers. --Antara