Officials accused of graft released from detention

Theresia Sufa The Jakarta Post/Bogor

Bogor police released on Sunday seven sub-district heads who had been accused of embezzling 87 tons of subsidized rice for poor families in Sukamakmur district, West Java.

The suspects -- Pudin Komara, Ade Lukman Hartono, Dadang Supriat, Ooy Tamami, Nana Suryana, Muin Sunarya, and Kohandi -- were released following a letter from Bogor's vice regent, asking the police to suspend their detention, Comr. Ferdy Sambo said on Monday.

"They were arrested on Aug. 9 and released on Sunday following a letter from Bogor vice regent Albert Pribadi," said Ferdy.

Aside from the vice regent's letter, the wives of the suspects have also sent letters guaranteeing that their husbands would not flee nor destroy evidence. They also declared themselves ready to be summoned by the police.

Separately, Bogor regional assistant Dandan Mulyadi said that the suspension was also due to the celebration of Independence Day this week.

"On that day, each sub-district will need the presence of their leaders," he asserted.

The Bogor legislative council's commission A for people's welfare visited the police station to learn of follow-up information about the embezzlement.

"This case involved local authorities and deserves proper attention on the legal as well as procedural aspects," said commission A head Lalu Suryade, adding that the current distribution mechanism for the subsidized rice had opened the way for irregularities.

"The disbursement of the rice should have been safeguarded by officers from the logistics agency," he said, adding that the commission had warned local logistics agency officers to ensure that the rice was received by the truly needy.

Commission A members will also recommend the dismissal of the sub-district heads.