Former PDAM Bengkulu Director Demanded Eight Years in Prison

Bengkulu City (ANTARA) - The prosecutor from the Bengkulu High Prosecutor’s Office demanded an eight-year prison sentence for Samsu Bahari, the former Director of PDAM Tirta Hidayah, along with a fine of Rp200 million subsidiary to 80 days’ imprisonment and repayment of Rp11.6 billion subsidiary to five years’ imprisonment.

“The defendant is given one month to pay the restitution of Rp11.6 billion. If not paid, his assets will be confiscated,” said the prosecutor, also Head of the Prosecution Section at the Bengkulu High Prosecutor’s Office, Arif Wirawan, at the Bengkulu Corruption Court on Tuesday.

Samsu Bahari, along with two other defendants, is being prosecuted in the case of alleged corruption involving the transfer and management of daily casual workers (PHL) at PDAM Tirta Hidayah in Bengkulu City.

Meanwhile, Eki Hermanto, Head of the Water Meter Replacement Subsection at PDAM and intermediary for PHL recruitment, is demanded a seven-year prison sentence, a fine of Rp200 million subsidiary to 80 days, and restitution of Rp1.18 billion subsidiary to three years and six months.

Arif stated that aggravating factors for the defendants include their actions not supporting the government’s anti-corruption programme, hindering regional development, causing harm to others, and not admitting their actions.

Previously, investigators from the Bengkulu High Prosecutor’s Office received the transfer of three suspects along with evidence in the case, including two vehicles, land certificates, documents, and Rp343.5 million in cash as part of the state losses.

The three defendants are alleged to have received bribes and gratuities from 117 daily casual workers. Subsequently, the board of Perumda Tirta Hidayah issued Assignment Orders (SPT) to appoint those 117 individuals as daily casual workers.