Graft convicts now in custody

PADANG: Two convicted criminals in a corruption case related to the construction of a bus terminal worth of Rp 1.1. billion (US$115,000) have been apprehended by the West Sumatra prosecutor's office, an official said on Saturday.

The criminals were former Padang Pariaman regent Nasrul Syahrun, who was arrested in his home in Bandung, West Java, while the second, Masri Kasim, head of Jati Pariaman bus terminal project, surrendered voluntarily to the Pariaman prosecutor's office.

Head of the West Sumatra prosecutor's office, Antasari Azhar, said that Nasrul, who has been on the run since early January, was arrested with the assistance of Bandung Police on May 3. Nasrul, who received a one year sentence, was then taken to Pariaman Penitentiary. Masri Kasim surrendered on May 4, Antasari said.

"Masri came from Jakarta to surrender after Nasrul was arrested," Antasari said. -- JP