Corruption convict finally imprisoned

BANDUNG: Ukman Sutaryan, 68, the former West Java Deputy Governor, from 1994-1998, has been sent to Kebonwaru prison in Bandung after receiving medical treatment at Hasan Sadikin Hospital in the city.

Ukman was transferred from the hospital to prison after doctors issued a statement that he was fit to serve his sentence.

Ukman, who was convicted for the embezzlement of over Rp 5 billion (approximately US$546,000 at current exchange rates) from the West Java budget, managed to delay his detention for several years as the case dragged on. However, on Jan. 31, the Supreme Court rejected his final appeal and ordered to him sent to prison, at which time he fell ill and was hospitalized.

Ukman was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for the high profile corruption case that also involved several former high ranking officials at the West Java provincial administration. -- JP