Electoral official jailed for graft

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Kendari District Court sentenced the former treasurer of the Kendari electoral committee, Abdulah Martha, to five years in jail for embezzling Rp 186 million (US$12,400) of the Rp 518 million 1997 general election funds.

Presiding judge Saijah also fined Abdullah Rp 5 million and ordered him to return Rp 150 million to the state.

His property and car were also seized.

"The corruption has severely harmed the state, especially since the money belongs to the people," said Saijah in the verdict.

Antara did not report how Abdullah misused the fund. (prb)