Man readied for execution

CILACAP, Central Java: A convict awaiting execution for his role in the murder of a marine colonel in East Java has been put in an isolation room in the prison on Nusa Kambangan island.

Prison officials said that the convict, Sugeng, began to receive consolation in preparation for his imminent execution together with his parents who are jailed in East Java.

Sugeng, his mother Sumiarsih and father Police Sergeant Prayit, were convicted last year of murdering Lt. Col. Purwanto and his family because they could not repay the Rp 37 million (US$16,500) they owed to the victims.

Antara news agency reported that Soepardi, the head of the prison, said Sugeng was isolated on the order of Baharuddin Lopa, the Ministry of Justice's director general of correctional institutions.

Sugeng, who was transferred to Nusa Kambangan early this year, and his parents will reportedly be executed later this month. The President has refused to give them clemency. (05)