Regent marked up appropriation

SURABAYA: Tuban regent Col. Hindarto was reprimanded by Governor Maj. Gen. Imam Utomo for marking up the costs for appropriation of 141 hectares of land in four villages in the Kerek district for the expansion of PT Semen Gresik.

The regent was also found to have placed compensation funds amounting to Rp 5.66 billion in the personal account of the head of his finance office, instead of the local treasury.

Antara reported on Tuesday that the provincial inspector chief Irwan Mansur said the Governor's letter had already been conveyed to Hindarto.

The letter and investigation results of the inspector's office were also sent to the Brawijaya Military Commander, Maj. Gen. Djoko Subroto, because the Commander is the regent's superior in his capacity as an active member of the Armed Forces.

Hindarto was a former assistant to the Commander for personnel affairs.

The investigation revealed Hindarto marked up land prices from Rp 2,000 per square meter to Rp 4,000.

Apart from a written warning from the Governor, in which Hindarto was said to have conducted a "wrong procedure," Irwan said further action against the regent would be decided by the Commander.