Irian loses Rp 5.1 billion

SORONG, Irian Jaya: The local state audit agency has revealed 58 cases of irregularities in a development project between January 1993 and March 31, causing the state to lose Rp 5.1 billion (US$2.2 million), a local official says.

"The court has adjudicated 36 cases worth Rp 2.6 billion, another four cases worth Rp 369.1 million are still under investigation," Edy Indratjahja, chief of the agency, was quoted as saying by Antara yesterday.

He said that most of the cases were found in the provincial office of the Ministry of Home Affairs, with 27 cases worth Rp 2.6 billion, followed by the transmigration office with four cases worth Rp 726 million, and the transportation office with five cases worth Rp 500 million.

The education and culture office has three cases worth Rp 417.5 million, the agriculture office two cases worth Rp 247.6 million, and the state-owned fertilizer company PT Pusri with one case worth Rp 212 million, he said.

The agency also revealed that the finance office has 12 cases of irregularities worth Rp 173 million, the state-owned oil company Pertamina with one case worth Rp 143.5 million, the religious affairs office with one case worth Rp 30.1 million, and the justice office also with one case worth Rp 5 million. (imn)