Six years sought for ex-BI director

JAKARTA: Prosecutors demanded on Wednesday a six-year jail term for former Bank Indonesia director Hendrobudiyanto, who is accused of abuse of power leading to Rp 9.7 trillion (US$1.08 million) in state losses.

"The defendant has been proven to have committed corruption together with other former directors of the central bank, namely Paul Sutopo and Heru Supraptomo," prosecutor FX Suhartono said during the session at the Central Jakarta District Court.

The three men are alleged to have channeled Bank Indonesia liquidity support funds to bankers who did not qualify for the funds in 1998 and 1999.

Prosecutors also demanded the defendant refund the state its losses and pay a Rp 20 million fine or face another three months in jail.

Presiding Judge Panusunan Harahap adjourned the trial until Feb. 19, at which time the court will hear from the defense. -- JP