Ex-deputy governor faces graft charges

BANDUNG: The Bandung District Court on Thursday began the trial of former West Java deputy governor Ukman Sutaryan on Thursday for the alleged embezzlement of Rp 11.9 billion from the provincial budget while in office.

Prosecutor Basuni Masyarif in the indictment said while serving as provincial administration secretary between 1989 and 1994, Ukman channeled Rp 4,150 billion from the provincial budget to the Al-Ihsan foundation which he chaired.

Later during his tenure as deputy governor between 1994 and 1996, Ukman again transferred Rp 7 billion.

Ukman is being indicted under Law No. 3/1971 on corruption and Article 1 of the Criminal Code which carries a penalty of between 20 years to life imprisonment.

Ukman, 64, is currently under house arrest due to health reasons. (25)