Man faces jail term for ruining painting

Man faces jail term for ruining painting

JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor demanded that a local choreographer
be sentenced to six months in prison for damaging a painting by
the late Hendra Gunawan.

Prosecutor Lukimanto told the Central Jakarta District Court
yesterday that Sri Sugeng Edhi Kwartanto, 41, also known as Teted
Sri WD, had admitted to damaging the painting.

Lukimanto said the painting, titled Aku dan Istriku Karmini di
Lonceng Kedua (Me and My wife Karmini at the Second Bell) and
painted in 1976, was worth between Rp 100 million (US$27,777) and
Rp 200,000.

He said the defendant entered the Jakarta Art Council office
on Jl. Cikini Raya, Central Jakarta, through a window at about 5
p.m. on Nov. 24 last year.

He removed the painting from its frame, folded it and
repeatedly trampled on it, Lukimanto said.

He said the defendant returned the painting to its frame after
being spotted by an office employee, identified as Sardi. He then
left the office.

The painting was damaged by being folding and had a 20-
centimeter tear in it.

Lukimanto said Teted was charged with Article 406 of the
Criminal Code for damaging the painting. (jun)