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)