Prosecutor probes assistance projects

JAMBI: The Jambi Prosecutor's Office is currently investigating a suspected embezzlement involving projects worth a total of Rp 6.7 billion (US$744,444) aimed at assisting poor residents in the province over the last two years.

"All of the projects were related to provisions," said assistant of the prosecutor office's detective unit, Nudy D. Siburian on Saturday.

The projects, the funds for which came from the Jambi provincial budget and the state budget, were spread in 10 municipalities and regencies and handled by 16 contractors.

He said his office had started a preliminary investigation as well as coordination with the provincial administration and related offices in getting data.

He encouraged heads of the offices to be open in disclosing distribution channels of the projects as well as its value.

"There's always possibility there's been 'cooperation' between officials and the contractors," he said. -- JP