Lampung probes Rp 6 billion scam

Lampung probes Rp 6 billion scam

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The government is investigating the
alleged misappropriation of Rp 6 billion (US$2.5 million)
intended to create 4,000 hectares of farm land.

Chief of the provincial inspectorate Umar Hasan was quoted by
Antara as saying that seven officials in charge of implementing
the project in Central and West Lampung have been questioned.

The local press has reported that the project did not
materialize. And the provincial legislative council has pressured
the inspectorate to begin investigating.

Council speaker Soendoro Brotoatmodjo said the officials
involved in the alleged scam must be severely punished.

However, the chief of local public works, Chairullah Gultom,
said his office was not involved because the project was managed
by the central government in Jakarta.

The corruption scandal surfaced recently after local farmers
disclosed that officials offered them Rp 125,000 for each hectare
of their land. (pan)