Prosecutors probe seedlings scam

JAMBI: Prosecutors are investigating suspected graft in the procurement of palm oil seedlings worth Rp 900 million (US$100,000) allegedly involving the head of Jambi's Social Welfare and People's Empowerment office, Darmawi.

"All those involved in this case will be summoned for questioning -- both suspects and witnesses," prosecutor's office assistant Nudy D. Siburian told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

As many as 108,000 seedlings had been allocated to farmers in the Rantaumakmur and Bandarjaya villages in Rantaurasau district, East Tanjungjabung. However, during an inspection it was later discovered the seedlings were of an inferior quality and farmers said they had lost money trying to grow them.

The contracting company distributing the trees disagreed and said the seedlings had been certified in Medan in October. -- JP