KPU members go on trial for mark-up

JAKARTA: Two former members of the General Elections Commission (KPU) went on trial Thursday for allegedly marking up the cost of a project connected with the 1999 election and passing on their ill-gotten gains to political parties, as well as pocketing a share for themselves.

As a result, the state was defrauded of Rp 5.2 billion, prosecutors say.

Chief prosecutor Asri Agung Putra accused the defendants, Bambang Mintoko Mangun Pranoto and Clara Sitompul Tambunan, of committing corruption offenses that carried maximum penalties ranging between 20 years in jail and life.

Bambang, Clara, KPU official Achmad Latief and Sri Hartati, a director of PT SAS Kencana Engineering as well as the wife of an East Java regent, were accused of having conspired to defraud the state in a project involving the supply of political party banners prior to the election.

PT SAS was supposed to supply 960,000 banners worth Rp 7.68 billion but only produced 240,000 at a cost of Rp 1.9 billion. The excess money was then allegedly disbursed to KPU members, including Mahadi Sinambela of the Golkar Party, Yakob Tobing of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), Rudini of the MKGR party. Bambang and Clara were also accused of pocketing a portion for themselves.

Achmad and Sri, who are facing similar charges, are expected to go on trial next week. Sri is currently being detained in the Pondok Bambu women's penitentiary. -- JP